Following repeated complaints about school auto-rickshaws carrying children beyond their permitted capacity, the Raigarh Traffic Police has launched a special enforcement drive across the city. In the first phase of the campaign, drivers violating the rules were issued warnings and counseled. Police have made it clear that any repeat offence will invite strict action under the Motor Vehicles Act.

Before launching the inspection drive, Traffic DSP Uttam Pratap Singh held a meeting with representatives of school managements and office-bearers of the auto drivers' association. During the meeting, he stressed the importance of student safety and instructed drivers not to carry more children than the approved seating capacity of their vehicles.

Police Launch Special Inspection Drive

Traffic police teams conducted intensive inspections of school autos at various locations across Raigarh on Monday. During the drive, several vehicles were found transporting children in excess of their permitted capacity.

Instead of taking immediate punitive action, officials chose to counsel the drivers and issued a formal warning. They were informed that any future violation would lead to legal action, including fines and other penalties under the Motor Vehicles Act.

Zero Tolerance for Drunk Driving

DSP Uttam Pratap Singh also warned that strict action would be taken against any school auto driver found operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Police said such drivers would face legal proceedings, their vehicles would be seized, and the matter would be presented before the court.

Children's Safety Is Top Priority

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shashi Mohan Singh said ensuring the safety of schoolchildren remains the department's highest priority.

He directed school authorities and transport operators to comply with all prescribed safety norms, adding that overloading, negligent driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol would be closely monitored. Violators will face strict legal action in future inspection drives.

The traffic police have appealed to parents, school managements, and vehicle operators to work together to ensure safe and secure transportation for students.

Traffic police in Madhya Pradesh's Rewa district carried out a special enforcement drive against vehicles fitted with fake registration number plates and illegal black window films, leading to action against several luxury vehicles, including Mahindra Thar and Toyota Fortuner SUVs. The operation was conducted as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen law enforcement and improve surveillance of suspicious vehicles moving through the city.

The campaign was organized on Sunday at major roads, intersections, and busy traffic corridors across Rewa. Police teams stopped and inspected a large number of vehicles, with particular attention given to premium SUVs and other high-end automobiles. During the inspection, officers reportedly found several vehicles displaying fake registration plates placed over the original number plates, while others were found using prohibited black window films in violation of motor vehicle regulations.

According to traffic police officials, the operation was launched not only to enforce traffic laws but also to address broader security concerns. Authorities stated that fake registration plates are sometimes used to conceal the identity of vehicles involved in criminal activities, making investigations more difficult for law enforcement agencies.

Police officials explained that when an original registration number is hidden beneath a counterfeit plate, identifying the actual vehicle through CCTV footage or electronic surveillance becomes significantly more challenging. Such practices can delay investigations and complicate efforts to trace suspects involved in unlawful activities.

Officials noted that concerns regarding fake registration plates have increased in recent years due to their alleged use in crimes such as the illegal transportation of narcotics, unauthorized movement of goods, and other offences. While authorities did not link Sunday's operation to any specific criminal case, they emphasized that preventive enforcement is necessary to discourage misuse of vehicles for illegal purposes.

As part of the special drive, every suspicious vehicle was subjected to detailed verification. Police teams checked registration certificates, ownership documents, registration numbers, and the authenticity of number plates. Vehicles found violating regulations were examined further before action was initiated under applicable provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act.

The inspection covered multiple locations across Rewa city, where traffic personnel stopped luxury SUVs and other expensive vehicles for verification. During the operation, several vehicles were found with black window films exceeding the permissible legal limits, while some displayed registration plates that allegedly did not match official vehicle records or concealed the original number.

Police initiated legal proceedings against vehicles found violating traffic regulations. Challans were issued under the relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, and additional legal action was initiated wherever required in accordance with applicable laws.

Authorities emphasized that the use of unauthorized number plates is a serious violation because vehicle registration serves as the primary means of identification during traffic enforcement and criminal investigations. Any attempt to conceal or alter this identity can have legal consequences and may attract further investigation if criminal intent is suspected.

Traffic Police Station In-charge Akhilesh Kushwaha stated that the enforcement campaign would continue in the coming days and similar inspections would be carried out regularly across the district. He said that both fake number plates and prohibited black window films violate legal provisions and compromise public safety.

He further warned that motorists found using fake registration plates or illegal modifications would face strict legal action in addition to monetary penalties. Depending on the nature of the violation, authorities may invoke other legal provisions wherever applicable.

The officer also appealed to vehicle owners to ensure that only officially approved registration plates are installed on their vehicles and that any prohibited black window films are removed immediately. Compliance with vehicle regulations, he said, would help motorists avoid legal action during future enforcement drives.

Road safety experts have often highlighted the importance of maintaining proper vehicle identification systems. Genuine registration plates enable traffic authorities, automated surveillance systems, and law enforcement agencies to identify vehicles accurately during routine monitoring as well as criminal investigations.

Similarly, restrictions on excessively dark window films are intended to improve visibility inside vehicles during security checks and enhance passenger safety. Authorities regularly conduct enforcement drives to ensure compliance with these regulations, particularly in urban areas where surveillance plays a crucial role in crime prevention.

The latest campaign reflects the growing emphasis on preventive policing through targeted inspections of vehicles suspected of violating traffic and security regulations. Officials believe that consistent enforcement, combined with public awareness, can discourage attempts to misuse vehicles for unlawful purposes while improving overall road safety.

As the special drive continues, traffic police have urged citizens to cooperate with enforcement personnel and comply with all legal requirements relating to vehicle registration, identification, and safety standards. Authorities maintain that adherence to these regulations is essential not only for avoiding penalties but also for supporting effective law enforcement and ensuring safer roads for everyone.

In a reckless display caught on camera, a young woman performed a ramp walk in front of a moving car, sprayed champagne, and climbed onto the vehicle's roof to strike poses on the Bilaspur-Korba National Highway. The video, which has gone viral on social media, has prompted swift action by traffic police under the Motor Vehicles Act.

The incident occurred late at night near the Koni-Turkadih bypass under the Turkadih overbridge in the Koni police station area. According to initial reports, the woman opened a champagne bottle, letting the spray fly while walking ahead of the slow-moving luxury car. She then climbed onto the roof and posed for a reel, endangering herself and other motorists.

Viral reel triggers police probe

The car, bearing registration number CG0-10-CD-141, was identified through its number plate after the video spread rapidly online. Traffic police swung into action and registered a case against the vehicle owner under relevant sections of the Motor Vehicles Act, including Section 135.

Traffic ASP Ramgopal Kariyare confirmed that the vehicle will be seized. A letter will also be sent to the Regional Transport Office recommending cancellation of the driving licence. “Such stunts on a busy national highway can easily cause serious accidents,” he said, warning that emerging from the sunroof or performing dangerous acts distracts other drivers.

Public safety concerns rise

Highways around Bilaspur have seen several similar incidents in recent months. Just weeks ago, a woman was seen dancing through the sunroof of a moving BMW on the Raipur-Bilaspur highway. In that case too, the vehicle was seized after the video went viral.

In October 2025, a convoy of luxury cars created a jam on the Bilaspur-Masturi highway while youths shot reels. Another incident involved influential youths parking expensive cars in the middle of the Bilaspur-Raipur highway for photoshoots. Police had to intervene and arrest those involved.

High Court warning goes unheeded

The Chhattisgarh High Court has previously expressed strong displeasure over such dangerous stunts for social media fame. Despite directives to the administration for strict action, incidents continue to surface, raising questions about enforcement on national highways.

Local commuters have expressed anger over the trend. “These videos look glamorous but one wrong move can lead to a major tragedy,” said a regular driver on the Bilaspur-Korba route. The highway sees heavy traffic, including goods vehicles and passenger buses, making such acts even more hazardous during night hours.

Police appeal for responsible behaviour

Bilaspur traffic police have appealed to citizens, especially youngsters, not to misuse public roads for content creation. “Social media popularity should not come at the cost of lives,” an officer said. Authorities have warned that more such cases will result in strict legal action, including vehicle impounding and licence suspension.

The latest video has once again highlighted the growing craze for creating reels without regard for safety or law. Police are investigating the identity of the woman and the driver. Further action is expected once the owner of the vehicle appears before authorities.

As the reel continues to circulate widely, it has sparked fresh debate on the need for stronger checks on highway stunts in Chhattisgarh. Officials say awareness drives will be intensified in the coming days.