Bengaluru Ambulance Driver Faces Legal Action for Misusing Emergency Siren and Lights
In a shocking incident from Bengaluru, an ambulance driver has found himself in legal trouble for allegedly misusing the vehicle's emergency siren and top lights while driving home without any patient on board. The driver, identified as Banashankari resident Mohan Kumar, who is also the owner of the ambulance bearing registration number KA-05-AN-6695, was apprehended by the police following a tip-off.
Traffic Stop Reveals No Emergency Situation
On the morning of January 31, Kumar was flagged down by police officers opposite the Sadashivanagar police station junction. According to authorities, he was driving the ambulance at high speed from the direction of MS Ramaiah Hospital with the lights and siren fully activated. Other commuters on the road immediately made way for the vehicle, assuming there was a genuine medical emergency.
However, when police stopped the speeding ambulance, they discovered no patient inside. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic-West) Anoop Shetty stated that staff from the Sadashivanagar traffic station questioned Kumar about his reasons for switching on the siren and lights and driving at maximum speed.
Driver's False Claims and Subsequent Confession
Kumar initially claimed he was heading to Banashankari to attend to an emergency, telling police, "A patient with breathing issues is waiting for me." He attempted to drive away, but officers stopped him again and demanded he share contact details of the supposed patient.
The police responded, "It will take you at least 60 minutes to reach your destination. Let's not put the patient at risk. Share the patient's details as well as the contact number. We will arrange another ambulance from the nearest hospital." Cornered by this logical argument, Kumar eventually confessed that he had been lying about the emergency.
Investigation Uncovers Habitual Misconduct
An investigating officer revealed that Kumar had driven back to his Banashankari home after dropping an elderly patient at MS Ramaiah Hospital. His ambulance has been attached to the hospital for many years. A person from the hospital informed police that even when there is no emergency, Kumar had developed a habit of driving the ambulance with the siren and top lights activated.
This individual alerted authorities when Kumar left the hospital on January 31, leading to his interception. The investigation suggests this was not an isolated incident but rather a pattern of behavior.
Legal Consequences and Vehicle Seizure
Kumar has been formally booked under Section 285 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to creating danger, obstruction, or injury in any public way or line of navigation through negligent acts or failure to manage property. This section replaces relevant provisions from the earlier Indian Penal Code.
As part of the legal proceedings, his ambulance has been seized by authorities. The case highlights serious concerns about the misuse of emergency vehicle privileges, which can cause unnecessary panic, disrupt traffic flow, and potentially delay genuine emergency responses.
This incident serves as a stern reminder to all emergency service operators about the importance of adhering to regulations and using sirens and lights only during legitimate emergencies. The Bengaluru traffic police have demonstrated vigilance in enforcing these rules to maintain public safety and order on the city's roads.
