Bengaluru: Bengaluru Traffic Police has launched a unique social media campaign inspired by Studio Ghibli's animation style to discourage dangerous motorcycle stunts like wheelies. This comes after the department booked nearly 60 cases of wheelie-related violations on March 27, leading to the arrest of 45 individuals, including minors.

A wheelie involves lifting a motorcycle's front wheel off the ground while riding, a stunt often performed in groups for an adrenaline rush. Recognising the trend's popularity among youngsters, the police adapted the Ghibli aesthetic to deliver their message, stating, "Even in the whimsical world of Ghibli, wheeling is no fairytale – it's dangerous and punishable. For your safety and the safety of others, follow traffic rules. Ride responsibly!"

The campaign targets individuals aged 21-30, who, according to police data, are most likely to engage in such stunts. Officials say creative initiatives like this help connect with younger audiences and reinforce road safety awareness.

Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) M N Anucheth emphasised that wheelies pose risks not only to riders but also to other road users. He added that minors caught performing stunts often result in legal action against their guardians.

The issue has been severe in Bengaluru, with some areas like Old Madras Road, Tumakuru Road, Peenya Flyover, and the International Airport Road being hotspots for such activities. In one incident last August, frustrated motorists threw two scooters off the Nelamangala Flyover after catching riders performing wheelies on a busy road.

Police warn that those caught engaging in wheelies face fines of up to ₹25,000, vehicle seizures, and possible cancellation or suspension of registration certificates.

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Mhow (MP) (PTI): A 19-year-old woman was allegedly raped by two men in a firing range of the Army near Mhow in Madhya Pradesh's Indore district, a police official said on Wednesday.

The incident took place late afternoon on Tuesday at the Berchha field firing range, he said.

Based on a complaint lodged by the rape survivor, a case has been registered against two persons at the Badgonda police station. The accused duo is absconding and a search operation is underway to trace them, the official said.

Talking to PTI, Indore Rural Superintendent of Police (SP) Yangchen Dolkar Bhutia said, "We have registered a case and are investigating it from all angles. We have inspected the crime site and have searched for the probable routes using which the accused could have escaped. Till now, nothing concrete has been found in the case."

"As per the statement given by the victim, the accused were in the age group of 25 to 35. Since it is a deep forest area, no CCTV cameras are installed there," he said.

"We have activated our informers' network in the area and investigation is going on to ascertain the identities of the accused," the SP added.

Badgonda station house officer (SHO) Prakash Waskale said the Berchha field firing range belongs to the army, which deploys its personnel there only when firing practice is underway.

At present, firing is not scheduled to be held there, he said.