Mistaking detained cars' loud revs for street race, youth speeds straight into police net in Kochi

Kochi: What started as a crackdown on two youths revving their modified cars on the road took an ironic turn in Kochi in the hours of early Monday when a third driver, mistaking the engine roar for a street race, sped to the scene to join in and drove straight into the police net. 

The incident occurred around 1.30 am at the Queens Walkway, an area that has been under increased surveillance following repeated complaints of late-night racing and noise nuisance. A patrol team from the Ernakulam Central Police Station, deployed as part of special Christmas-New Year night patrolling duty, had intercepted a Honda Civic and a Honda Accord parked along the stretch.

According to police, the two cars, driven by youths from Aroor, drew attention after officers heard prolonged, high-decibel engine revving. On inspection, both vehicles were found to be fitted with illegal modified exhaust systems designed to amplify sound, an offence under the Motor Vehicles Act. The drivers were questioned on the spot as officers assessed whether the activity amounted to an attempt at street racing. 

While the patrol team was engaged with the duo, a Maruti Swift suddenly approached at speed, its engine also revving loudly. The driver, a youth from Kasaragod, later told police that he heard the distinctive exhaust notes from a distance and assumed an informal drag race was about to begin. Believing it to be a gathering of like-minded drivers, he accelerated towards the spot to join in.

“The patrol team noticed the first two cars because of the loud exhaust notes. It looked like they were revving up for a race. The third car rushed in revving, assuming the same, and he also had a modified exhaust,” a police officer said.

The Swift driver realised his error only after pulling up close and spotting uniformed officers and the police vehicle. By then, there was no opportunity to turn back without drawing further suspicion, the officer added. 

All three youths and their cars were escorted to the Ernakulam Central Police Station for a detailed inspection. The police confirmed that the Swift, Civic and Accord were each fitted with illegal exhaust modifications that violated prescribed noise and emission standards.

Each vehicle was fined ₹10,000 under relevant sections of the Motor Vehicles Act. No criminal case was registered, as there was no evidence of an actual race having taken place or of an attempt to flee from police. However, the youths were issued strict warnings and directed to remove the illegal exhaust systems before the vehicles could be returned or driven again on public roads.

Police sources said night patrols across the city have been intensified during the festive season. The police added that similar checks would continue in the coming days, and repeat offenders could face seizure of vehicles and more stringent actions including cancellation of driving licenses.