Imposing Fines is Easy, Exempting Them Seems Difficult: AP e-Challan and M-Parivahan
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Visakhapatnam, December 23rd, 2024: In a surprising mix-up, a car owner in Visakhapatnam received a fine for not wearing a helmet, a violation typically applicable to two-wheeler riders. This incident, reported by the Vistarana Info website, has left the vehicle owner baffled.
The e-challan, issued by the Visakhapatnam City Gopalapatnam Police, erroneously targeted the car for infractions such as not wearing a helmet and not possessing a driving license. The car owner, who was traveling from Visakhapatnam to Mumbai on the day the challan was issued, promptly contacted the M-Parivahan helpline. However, he was informed that the issue was beyond their control and was advised to contact the competent authority.
Despite contacting the Sub-Inspector of Police at Gopalapatnam and the city police WhatsApp helpline, he was ultimately directed to meet the ADCP, Traffic Wing, in person to resolve the issue. The owner expressed frustration over the error and highlighted the inconvenience caused by fines imposed without proper verification.
In the wake of a controversial e-challan, the vehicle owner also highlighted the frequent imposition of fines for speeding without adequate speed limit boards, and the distraction caused by advertisements on traffic signs, which complicate safe driving further. The owner expressed concerns about the reliability of such fines, especially in the context of increasing cybercrimes in India.
The victim emphasized the need for greater awareness, referencing the infamous AP e-challan scam involving a senior police official. Such incidents have eroded trust, making it difficult to discern what is genuine. The victim voiced their dissatisfaction over the issue, calling for more transparency and accountability in the enforcement of traffic rules.