Over 29,000 vehicles checked as Punjab police conducts 5-day special drive against illegal hooters, sirens and flashers
Chandigarh, June 6
In a massive crackdown on traffic violations, Punjab police have checked over 29,000 vehicles and issued more than 4,200 challans during a five-day statewide drive against the illegal use of hooters, sirens and flashers on private vehicles, officials said on Saturday.
The special operation, launched on June 2 across Punjab, was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav to curb the unauthorised use of signalling devices by private individuals.
According to the Information and Public Relations Department, the drive, carried out on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab, was focused on private vehicles unlawfully using signalling equipment, including hooters, sirens or flashers to bypass traffic rules and project undue authority.
Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Praveen Sinha, while sharing the details of the operation, specified that such devices are strictly meant for emergency vehicles and essential services. Private individuals cannot be allowed to misuse them, he said.
Divulging the outcomes of the five-day operation, the Special DGP said that police teams checked a total of 29,324 vehicles. During the checking, teams successfully removed 52 hooters, 10 sirens, and 403 flashers from unauthorised vehicles, he said, while adding that, furthermore, 4,221 violators were issued challans and 48 vehicles were impounded.
Warning violators of strict legal consequences, Special DGP Praveen Sinha stated that this drive will continue across the state, and rigorous legal action will be initiated against anyone found indulging in the unauthorised use of flashers, sirens, or hooters.
Meanwhile, the "Gangstran te Vaar" campaign continued on Day 137 with Police teams arresting 320 individuals with eight weapons, taking the total arrests to 34,532 since the launch of the campaign. Apart from this, preventive action has been taken against 97 persons, whereas 13 persons were verified and released after questioning.
Police teams have also arrested seven proclaimed offenders (POs) during the operation.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good move. But let's be honest, this has been a problem for decades. Why does it take a special drive? Why not enforce this daily? Still, I appreciate the DGP for taking this up. Let's see if they keep it up after the drive ends. 😒
This is much needed. I live in Ludhiana and see these fancy SUVs with sirens every day - they think they are above the law. The challans and impounding are good, but the real test will be if they take on the big politicians and their supporters who misuse these most.
As someone who visits Punjab for business, this is impressive. In many places, these illegal devices are just ignored. The numbers here are huge - over 4000 challans in just five days! If the police maintain this, it will seriously change the road culture. Good on them.
I appreciate the effort but this seems like a short-term tactic. The real issue is VIP culture in India. People use hooters because they want to feel important. Without addressing that mindset, this will come back. Still, good to see some accountability.
About time! I've been to Chandigarh and seen private cars with emergency lights. It's absurd. This is a good start. But I wonder if the police will also start checking the LED scrolling signs some people put on their cars - also illegal and distracting.
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