In a stern action against reckless driving, the Althan police in Surat have seized three sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and registered a case against their drivers. The crackdown followed a viral social media video that captured youths performing dangerous stunts on public roads as part of a celebratory procession.
Viral Video Triggers Police Action
The incident traces back to December 19, when a meeting of the Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) was held at DRB College in Surat. Following the meeting, a group of students took out a procession. The celebration, however, took a dangerous turn when some participants began performing risky stunts with their vehicles on New City Light Road and Acharya Hasit Marg, areas falling under the Althan police station's jurisdiction.
A video of these stunts quickly spread across social media platforms, drawing public outrage and catching the attention of the police. Acting on the footage, the Althan police launched an investigation to identify the vehicles and individuals involved.
Vehicles Seized and Drivers Identified
Althan police inspector D D Chauhan provided details of the action taken. "After the meeting, students took out a procession and resorted to stunts as part of the celebration," he stated. "During our investigation, we identified four cars involved in violations. Three have been seized and the fourth will be seized soon."
The police have confiscated a Toyota Fortuner, a Mahindra Scorpio, and a Maruti Suzuki Brezza. A fourth vehicle, a Mahindra Thar, is yet to be taken into custody. The drivers of the seized SUVs have been identified as Jitendra Mali, Lalit Kalal, and Wahid Shaikh. It was reported that approximately 20 vehicles were part of the original procession.
Legal Repercussions and Ongoing Probe
An FIR (First Information Report) has been officially registered under Section 281 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for rash and negligent driving that endangered human life. Inspector Chauhan noted that, as of now, the drivers were found to possess valid driving licenses.
However, the investigation is ongoing. "If negligence on the part of vehicle owners is established during further investigation, they will also be summoned. Relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act will be added if applicable," Chauhan added. This indicates that the legal trouble for those involved may extend beyond just the drivers.
The police action underscores a zero-tolerance approach towards dangerous driving that puts public safety at risk. The seizure of high-value vehicles sends a strong message against using public roads for celebratory stunts, especially by student political groups.
