₹70,000 car, ₹1.11 lakh fine: Bengaluru student penalised for illegal modifications
Bengaluru: A student from Kerala has been fined ₹1.11 lakh for multiple violations of the Motor Vehicles Act after authorities found that he had illegally modified his car, including altering the silencer, police said.
The incident came to light in early January after videos of the modified vehicle, emitting loud noise and flames from the exhaust, began circulating on social media. The vehicle, a 2002 model with a market value of approximately ₹70,000, was reportedly creating disturbance on Hennur Road in northeast Bengaluru.
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Following public complaints and video evidence, Hennur traffic police traced the vehicle and referred the case to the Yelahanka Regional Transport Office (RTO) for further action.
Authorities found the modifications, including the altered silencer that caused sparks and noise, to be significant violations of motor vehicle regulations, not just minor tweaks. These changes were considered a public safety hazard as well as a breach of legal standards for vehicle modifications.
#Kerala student’s modified car turns from viral sensation to costly lesson in #Bengaluru!
— TOI Bengaluru (@TOIBengaluru) January 15, 2026
Bengaluru #Traffic #Police slap a Rs 1.11 lakh fine after the car was found spewing fire from the silencer, sporting a changed colour and an altered number plate.@timesofindia pic.twitter.com/N4jJ4zRVBs
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Karnataka gram panchayats achieve 89% of tax collection target
Bengaluru: Gram panchayats across Karnataka have recorded a strong improvement in revenue mobilisation, realising 89% of the tax collection target for the financial year 2025-26, one of the highest levels in recent years, The Hindu reported.
According to the Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, 5,943 gram panchayats reported higher collections compared to the previous year. The total tax collection stood at Rs 1,382.57 crore, marking an increase of Rs 110.04 crore from Rs 1,272.54 crore collected in 2024-25.
Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge said state had previously secured the top position at the national level in tax collection and revenue mobilisation with respect to village panchayats, and the continued upward trend highlights the impact of “efficient administration, strict enforcement of regulations, and strengthened tax collection mechanisms.”
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In 2024-25, gram panchayats had realised 80% of the demand, collecting Rs 1,272.54 crore for the first time in the department’s history. Building on this, the state has now reached a record 89% realisation.
Highlighting district-wise performance, the minister noted that Raichur recorded 129% tax collection, while 11 districts crossed 100% realisation.
He said the improvement was driven by awareness campaigns, focused collection drives, and sustained efforts of officials at all levels, from bill collectors to senior administrators.
“Our focus over the past few years has been on improving systems, ensuring accountability, and empowering local bodies to enhance their own revenue capabilities. It is encouraging to see that every rupee collected is being reinvested into village infrastructure, public services, and local development. This is laying a strong foundation for inclusive and sustainable rural growth,” he said.
