The Delhi Traffic Police drive against unauthorised use of red beacons saw two unique cases this past week, with political figures being challaned for violating the norm.
Senior BJP leader Uma Bharti's vehicle was challaned last Wednesday. “A Facebook user posted a picture of a taxi with a red beacon asking if such a thing was allowed. We found that the cab was hired by Madhya Pradesh Bhavan for Ms. Bharti,” said Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Satyendra Garg.
When contacted, M. P. Bhavan officials said Ms. Bharti was authorised to use a red beacon in her home State. “The taxi and Madhya Pradesh Bhavan official responsible were challaned for this violation,” said Mr. Garg.
In another case on Saturday, local MLA from Burari Shri Krishan was challaned for the second time for unauthorised use of red beacon. “Sometimes getting prosecuted once is not enough and there is repeat offence…[and] the elected representative was challaned second time,” Mr. Garg posted on Facebook.
The traffic police began a drive against unauthorised use of red beacons earlier this year. Several senior political leaders, Members of Parliament and government officials have been fined for the offence.
