Kozhikode: In a curious incident, the driver of a private bus in Kozhikode, which was being driven dangerously in violation of traffic rules, fled when the police signalled him to stop, leaving passengers stranded. Police later arranged another bus for the passengers and took the offending vehicle into custody. A case has been registered against the driver, Raik (26), a resident of North Beypore.

The incident took place at Medical College Junction around 2.25 pm. The private bus ‘Assaro,’ plying from Medical College to Marad beach, was attempting to overtake other vehicles dangerously. Traffic sub-inspector V P Rajendran and civil police officer K Ameer, who were on duty at the junction, noticed this and signalled the driver to stop.

After halting the bus, the officers asked the driver for his licence. Raik replied that he would show it immediately, but instead slipped out through the passenger door and fled. Although the police chased him for some distance, he managed to escape.

On questioning, the conductor told the police that Raik did not possess a licence. He has now been charged with driving without a licence. Officers also said that earlier cases had been filed against him at Marad and Vellayil police stations.

₹12 lakh collected as fine
Over ₹12 lakh was collected as one-time settlement of fines from vehicle owners at an e-challan Adalat held over two days in Kozhikode. The fines are related to violations detected by both AI cameras and police personnel. Of the total ₹12,27,000, an amount of ₹4,41,250 was collected for 746 violations detected by police, and ₹7,85,750 for violations flagged by AI surveillance cameras.

Stringent checks
Police have intensified checking within Kozhikode city limits to detect traffic violations and overspeeding by buses. Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic) N Suresh Babu is leading the drive.

Action will be taken against vehicle owners who fail to pay fines despite receiving SMS notices from the police.

A few days ago, a team led by Suresh Babu seized a car that had accumulated fines amounting to ₹32,000. The vehicle was handed over to the Regional Transport Office (RTO). “The car will be released to the owner only after all arrears are cleared,” a police officer said.

“Most vehicles with pending dues are two-wheelers. A counter has been opened at the Traffic Police Station to pay such fines,” the officer added.