By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 13: In a bid to send a strong message to motorists who flaunt modified silencers and exhaust pipes in their vehicles, the Shillong Traffic Police (STP) on Wednesday destroyed a total of 181 seized silencers using a road roller at Police Reserve here in the presence of senior police officials of East Khasi Hills.
The silencers were seized beginning August this year.
Speaking to media persons, East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police, Sylvester Nongtnger, said that they had detected 320 modified silencers and the vehicle owners were asked to remove it. However, it was seen that many of the users continue to use the exhaust and police seized it to destroy it. “STP will continue to detect all modified silencers which are not permissible. The detected silencers are both of two and four wheelers but maximum were from two-wheelers,” Nongtnger said.
“We want to send a message that they should not alter anything with what has been provided by the company. Tinted glass will also come in later, this is the first step. Today, we have crushed the silencers, maybe in future we can sell them to scrap but as of now we want to show to the citizens that we mean business and we will crush it,” the SP said.
SP (City) Vivek Syiem added that there has been a public outcry against modified exhaust pipes since it has become a social nuisance causing plenty of noise, especially during unearthly hours disturbing children studying and senior citizens too.
“We also thank the public for helping us with information by reaching out to us on 112,” Syiem said.
Asked about rash driving in the city, the senior cops said that the police are on the job to keep a tab on the phenomenon. Checkpoints have been setup in various places, especially at night, to check youngsters, potentially inebriated, indulging in reckless driving.
He said that they are concerned about drunk driving, especially involving young people, and unlicensed individuals driving and riding in the city.
“We have conducted surprise checking on one way (road), where it’s designated as ‘no entry’. Some people violate (it) and it has resulted in fatal accidents and loss of lives,” Syiem said.