From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH, Nov 13: A vehicle, linked to Assam Congress MP Rakibul Hussain, was fined by Ri-Bhoi Police at Umling on Wednesday evening.
During a vehicle checking drive conducted from 6 pm to 11 pm, the police stopped the Tata Safari for using red and blue flasher lights which are restricted to VIPs. The driver initially claimed the vehicle belonged to the Dhubri MP. However, upon verification, it was found to be registered under the name of his son Tanzil Hussain.
When Senior Superintendent of Police Vivekanand Singh Rathore asked whether the MP was inside the vehicle that had four occupants, the driver replied in the negative. The SSP immediately instructed his officers to remove the illegal flashers and issued an e-challan for misuse of VIP lights.
Several cases of drunk driving and other traffic violations were also detected. One passenger vehicle bound for Silchar was stopped after the driver was found heavily intoxicated and barely able to stand. He was fined and instructed to rest until he sobered up before resuming the journey. Some passengers, who identified themselves as teachers, attempted to persuade the SSP to permit the vehicle to proceed, but he firmly refused, scolding them for their irresponsible behaviour considering that the vehicle was carrying children and families.
The drive, carried out jointly by Ri-Bhoi Police and Seng Samla Shnong Umling, drew a large number of villagers, including women and children. They came out to witness the operation.
The locals of Umling expressed happiness to see the police intensify checking along the highway for public safety. They noted that the highway often witnesses overspeeding and accidents caused by reckless and drunk driving.
Police officials interacted with the locals, explaining the importance of traffic laws and encouraging them to spread awareness on safe driving practices.
Leaders of Seng Samla Shnong Umling, including its president Reminold Mawrie and vice president Banteiborlang Kshiar, lauded the initiative. They said they were proud to collaborate with the police.
They further lauded the police for treating every vehicle equally, thus showing that the law applies equally to all. The youth leaders said such collaborations help build closer ties between the police and the public.
The Seng Samla leaders urged all drivers to avoid drunk driving, warning that such reckless behaviour endangers not only their own lives but also those of others.
According to police sources, Wednesday’s checking at Umling alone generated more than Rs 6 lakh in fines from traffic violators within five hours. They said the number of road accidents in the district have significantly declined after the police stepped up the drive against traffic violators.
