50% traffic fine rebate will make roads unsafe in Karnataka, warn experts: Report
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government's 50% rebate on traffic e-challan fines has drawn sharp criticism from road safety experts. While some welcome the financial relief, experts warn it sends the wrong message—urging violators to “wait for discounts” instead of following rules—potentially encouraging repeat offences by reducing the fear of penalties.
Traffic and transport expert Prof. M.N. Sreehari described the decision as a "wrong signal" from the government. “Instead of collecting fines, the government is giving offers to violators, which is unlawful. The law clearly states that anyone who violates the law should be penalised, not offered discounts. Such measures will only encourage more violations and reduce the fear of law and rules. Instead of offering discounts, the government should focus on educating violators about road safety,” The New Indian Express quoted him as saying.
Prof. Sreehari stressed that such blanket concessions risk eroding the deterrent value of fines, which are meant to discourage reckless driving. “Motorists may assume that penalties can always be negotiated later, encouraging repeated violations. Meanwhile, others who paid their fines promptly at full rates may feel penalised for their compliance,” he added.
A senior traffic police officer quoted by TNIE acknowledged that while the rebate offers temporary financial relief, particularly for delivery personnel, auto-rickshaw drivers, and cab operators, it also raises serious safety concerns. These groups, often in a rush due to work demands, are among the most frequent violators. The officer noted that such individuals may break rules, pay only half the fine, and continue repeating offences. These violations, including signal jumping, riding without helmets, or driving without seat belts, are not minor lapses but serious risks that can lead to injuries or fatalities.
Another officer emphasised that the government must treat this rebate as a one-time measure to recover pending dues, not a recurring policy. If repeated, such concessions could shift public perception from following traffic rules to simply waiting for the next discount.
This is not the first time the Karnataka government has introduced such a concession. In 2023, similar rebate schemes were announced on two separate occasions.
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Couple, son 'hacked' to death over witchcraft suspicion in Jharkhand's Palamu
Medininagar (PTI): A couple and their 18-year-old son were allegedly hacked to death over suspicion of practising witchcraft in Jharkhand's Palamu, police said on Sunday.
Their minor daughter was also injured in the attack late on Saturday, a police officer said.
The bodies were recovered from their house on Sunday in Panki police station area, he said.
“Initial investigation suggests that the case is related to witchcraft suspicion,” Manoj Kumar Jha, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Lesliganj told PTI.
A manhunt is on to nab the culprits, Jha said.
The girl suffered severe injuries and has been admitted to a government hospital, he said.
The deceased have been identified as Vijay Bhuiyan (45), his wife Kalia Devi (40), and their son Chotu Bhuiyan.
The bodies have been sent to Medinirai Medical College and Hospital (MMCH) for post-mortem examination.
