Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Aug 29: A dangerous craze is gripping the streets of Karnataka — young motorcyclists, many of them students, are increasingly performing high-risk wheeling stunts on public roads and flyovers.
The trend, driven largely by the lure of viral social media videos, has become a growing public safety concern, with 2,324 cases registered across the state in the last four years alone.
According to data from traffic police and enforcement authorities, wheeling incidents have sharply increased in recent years, particularly in Bengaluru and other urban centres. In 2022, 404 cases were reported, followed by 392 in 2023. The number spiked to 822 cases in 2024, and 706 have already been recorded in 2025 up to August.
What makes the trend more alarming is that these stunts are often performed without helmets, protective gear or regard for traffic laws. Officials say many youths are risking their lives — and endangering others — just to film attention-grabbing reels and stunt videos for platforms such as Instagram and YouTube. Tragically, some of these reckless acts have already resulted in fatalities.
“This is not just a traffic offence, it is a public safety issue,” said a senior traffic official. “One wrong move could cost a life — and it often does,” he added.
As part of a state-wide crackdown, authorities have cancelled the driving licences of more than 1,200 violators in the past four years. In 2022, 67 licences were revoked, followed by 196 in 2023, 453 in 2024, and 544 so far in 2025. Officials say these actions are aimed at sending a strong message that such behaviour will not be tolerated.
The Bengaluru city police, along with other law enforcement agencies, have adopted a multi-pronged strategy to curb the menace. Offenders are being booked under Section 281 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), in addition to Sections 184 and 189 of the Motor Vehicles Act. In cases involving underage riders, the Juvenile Justice Act is being invoked, and legal proceedings are also initiated against the parents or guardians of the minors involved.
Vehicles used in wheeling incidents are being seized and riders taken into custody. In all such cases, driving licences are being mandatorily suspended, with formal recommendations submitted to the respective Regional Transport Offices for further action. In particularly severe or repeat offences, authorities are also recommending the cancellation of vehicle registration certificates.
To identify and target areas where wheeling is prevalent, the traffic police have mapped out key hotspot roads across the city. Special drives and operations are conducted regularly in these zones, with a particular focus on weekends and public holidays. In addition, COBRA patrol units have been deployed at strategic locations to deter offenders through constant monitoring.
Repeat offenders or individuals considered a risk to public safety are being dealt with under preventive provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code. Police are booking them under Section 107 of the CrPC and presenting them before the executive magistrate — typically the deputy commissioner of police in charge of law and order.
Authorities are also urging families, schools and community leaders to play a more active role in preventing youngsters from indulging in such dangerous behaviour. The police say their crackdown will only intensify in the coming months as stunt-related videos continue to flood social media, often glamorising reckless riding.
“This is not just mischief — it is criminal recklessness. One viral video is not worth a life,” police officials warned, reiterating their commitment to public safety.