Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Jan 16: In a shocking action, Bengaluru traffic police have imposed a hefty fine on a Kerala-based student for illegally modifying a car’s silencer, causing excessive noise and emitting sparks, along with multiple other violations.
Yes, officials of the Yelahanka regional transport office imposed a fine of Rs 1,11,500 on the car for illegal modifications to the silencer, glass, paint and lights. The car, which is around 17 years old, is estimated to be worth only about Rs 70,000. The fine imposed is nearly double the value of the vehicle, which has now become a widely discussed issue.
The car, bearing a Kerala Ernakulam RTO registration number (KL 7 AB 8764), was seen moving noisily along the Bharathi Nagar–Hennur Road in Bengaluru, creating a loud and disturbing sound. Unable to tolerate the nuisance, members of the public recorded videos of the vehicle and shared them on social media, besides informing the police.
Acting on the information, Yelahanka traffic police conducted an operation and traced the vehicle. The car was being driven by a Kerala-based student, Mohammed Saifan, who is pursuing his studies in Bengaluru. Upon inspection, the police found that the car, including its silencer, had been extensively modified and informed the Yelahanka RTO.
Transport inspector Nagarathna, along with staff, arrived at the spot and seized the vehicle. The car, a 2007–08 model, had black-tinted glass fitted to prevent visibility inside, was converted into a multi-coloured vehicle, and its headlights had been modified into disco lights. A penalty was imposed on the owner under Section 182 (1)(A) of the Motor Vehicles Act.
Regional transport officer Amaresh Cheluv stated that letters have been sent to the transport authority seeking suspension of the vehicle’s registration certificate and Mohammed Saifan’s driving licence. Transport additional commissioner (enforcement) C Mallikarjun said that if complaints are received or such vehicles with modified silencers and excessive noise come to the notice of officials, the registration certificates (RC) of the vehicles and the driving licences (DL) of the drivers will be cancelled.
On behalf of the student, some politicians attempted to intervene and exerted pressure on the police to release the vehicle by imposing a reduced fine. Several politicians reportedly tried to influence the police to release the vehicle after collecting only the minimum penalty. However, Bengaluru police stood firm and did not yield to the pressure.
Ultimately, RTO officials imposed the maximum fine of Rs 1,11,500 as per the law. It is learnt that the vehicle was released after the student paid the fine.
“This should serve as a lesson to those who modify vehicle silencers and violate the law. Bengaluru police maintain zero tolerance towards such violations,” an official said.