Pramesh S Jain
A police emergency response vehicle in Mysuru has come under scrutiny after it was found to have accumulated 71 traffic violation cases over the past two years,resulting in a pending fine of Rs.36,500 (Rs.18,250 under the current 50% settlement scheme).
The violations were allegedly detected by advocate Puneeth N,who checked the e-challan status of the ERSS 112 patrol vehicle (KA-55-G-0433) after spotting it at a traffic fine collection counter in the Mysuru court premises on Saturday.
According to the advocate,the first traffic violation was recorded on July 6,2024,and the vehicle continued to violate traffic rules over the next 23 months.
Most of the cases were reportedly for driving without wearing a seat belt.When he informed the police personnel present about the pending challans,they reportedly had no response.Puneeth later shared details of the violations on social media platform X.
The issue has now prompted intervention from Mohan Kumar Danappa,a member of the Karnataka State Police Complaints Authority,who has written to the Additional Chief Secretary,Home Department.
In his letter dated July 8, 2026,Danappa said it was inappropriate for police personnel,who are responsible for enforcing traffic laws,to repeatedly violate the same rules.
He noted that videos of police personnel riding without helmets, using mobile phones while driving, triple riding, driving on the wrong side, parking in prohibited areas, and not wearing seat belts frequently surface on social media,damaging the credibility of the police force.
Referring specifically to the Mysuru ERSS 112 vehicle,he urged the State Government to conduct a statewide audit of all police vehicles,identify pending traffic violation cases,ensure that fines are paid promptly,and issue fresh instructions directing all police personnel to strictly adhere to traffic rules while on duty.
Danappa warned that failure by law enforcement officers to follow traffic regulations weakens public confidence and makes it difficult for police to enforce compliance among citizens.
He said the government should act swiftly to prevent further embarrassment to the police department and reinforce discipline within the force.
