Sons of Dy CM, Cong neta get traffic challans of Rs 7,000

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Jaipur: Regional transport office in Jaipur challaned the sons of deputy CM Premchand Bairwa and Congress leader Pushpendra Bhardwaj for a sum of Rs 7,000 for various traffic violations while they were driving their vehicle last week. The action follows a viral video, shared on social media, of the duo driving around the city in an open vehicle.

The ticket for violating traffic rules was issued to Kartikeya Bhardwaj, owner of the vehicle, and Chinmay Kumar Bairwa, who was driving the vehicle, as seen in the viral video. According to the challan, a fine of Rs 5,000 was imposed for ‘unauthorised alteration of a motor vehicle by the owner', a fine of Rs 1,000 for ‘driver or passenger without a seat belt', and another fine of Rs 1,000 for ‘driving dangerously (use of handheld communication device while driving)'.

Transport department officials said the challan was issued last week, and they are waiting for a response from the vehicle owner regarding the violations. "We have sought an explanation as to why modifications were made to the vehicle. The size of the tyres was not as per the set norms. Seat belts were also not worn while driving," said Prakash Tahilyani, additional regional transport officer (ARTO), Jaipur.

Officials said modifications to vehicles for passenger safety or from authorised centres are allowed, but only after obtaining permission from authorities. "Modifications like retro fitment of CNG kit in vehicles, adding a cover to an open vehicle, or other activities done from authorised centres are allowed. However, other modifications are not allowed, especially those that are not safe for passengers," the official said.

Last month, deputy CM Bairwa faced an online backlash after his son appeared in a social media video driving a modified jeep with a state govt vehicle tailing him. Bairwa, who is also Rajasthan's transport minister, initially defended his son and said there was no wrongdoing since he was accompanying some school friends. Bairwa also said his son was a minor (under 18 years) and that the police vehicle accompanying him was for security purposes.

Later, however, Bairwa apologised for his son's behaviour and said he has told him to not do "such things" in future. Transport department officials who issued the traffic challan said the Dy CM's son is an adult and was issued a driving licence in June this year.