Reckless check

The message of police to leheriyas (rash bikers) in the city is loud and clear: drive sensibly this Durga Puja, or hop pandals on foot.

The police’s anti-race driving cell would stay extra alert and crack the whip on reckless drivers during Durga Puja and Dussehra. The quick mobile units, made up of police officers on bikes, would assist them in the drive.

“During Durga Puja and Dussehra, thousands of people hit the roads, already congested with pandals, lights and decorations. In such a situation, rash bikers can be a big threat. They have scant regard for traffic rules and pedestrians. But the police cannot take chances. The police want to ensure people’s safety during the festival,” a police officer told The Telegraph on Tuesday.

Elaborating on the drive, he said: “The cell, comprising six teams and around 30 police officers, has been penalising rash bikers on a daily basis. With the festive season approaching, the cell has been put on extra alert. Starting today (Tuesday), the two-wheeler of any biker caught on the charge of rash driving would be impounded and would not be returned till Dussehra is over.”

Initially launched in December, 2010, the cell was revived on June 29 this year. It has collected Rs 10.36 lakh as fine till October 7.

The members of the cell would be in plainclothes during the Puja. Once a member of the cell spots a biker driving dangerously, he would note down his appearance and the make and the colour of the two-wheeler. Thereafter, he would convey the description to his cell colleague deployed further down the same road.

The errant biker would not possibly be able to dodge all the cell personnel. Once intercepted, he would have to cough up Rs 1,000 as penalty under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Moreover, once the bikers are caught, the penalty could multiply if they are found not carrying proper documents of the two-wheeler.

The quick mobile units have also been instructed to catch rash bikers as well.

“The quick mobile units of all police stations have also been asked to patrol and hunt for such bikers. They are always in a better position to catch them. Regular patrolling during the festive season is a must. Hence, all the police stations have been alerted. More officers would be added to the cell during the festival days,” said another police officer.