Bengaluru Traffic Police uses Studio Ghibli-inspired campaign against wheelies
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.
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! pic.twitter.com/SRI6kvRBeI
— ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ಸಂಚಾರ ಪೊಲೀಸ್ BengaluruTrafficPolice (@blrcitytraffic) March 30, 2025
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Another North Goa nightclub sealed; Kejriwal says corruption led to fire tragedy
Panaji (PTI): As part of a crackdown against tourist establishments violating laws and safety norms in the aftermath of the Arpora fire tragedy, Goa authorities on Saturday sealed a renowned club at Vagator and revoked the fire department NOC of another club.
Cafe CO2 Goa, located on a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea at Vagator beach in North Goa, was sealed. The move came two days after Goya Club, also in Vagator, was shut down for alleged violations of rules.
Elsewhere, campaigning for local body polls, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal said the fire incident at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub at Arpora, which claimed 25 lives on December 6, happened because the BJP government in the state was corrupt.
An inspection of Cafe CO2 Goa by a state government-appointed team revealed that the establishment, with a seating capacity of 250, did not possess a no-objection certificate (NOC) of the Fire and Emergency Services Department. The club, which sits atop Ozrant Cliff, also did not have structural stability, the team found.
The Fire and Emergency Services on Saturday also revoked the NOC issued to Diaz Pool Club and Bar at Anjuna as the fire extinguishers installed in the establishment were found to be inadequate, said divisional fire officer Shripad Gawas.
A notice was issued to Nitin Wadhwa, the partner of the club, he said in the order.
Campaigning at Chimbel village near Panaji in support of his party's Zilla Panchayat election candidate, Aam Aadmi Party leader Kejriwal said the nightclub fire at Arpora happened because of the "corruption of the Pramod Sawant-led state government."
"Why this fire incident happened? I read in the newspapers that the nightclub had no occupancy certificate, no building licence, no excise licence, no construction licence or trade licence. The entire club was illegal but still it was going on," he said.
"How could it go on? Couldn't Pramod Sawant or anyone else see it? I was told that hafta (bribe) was being paid," the former Delhi chief minister said.
A person can not work without bribing officials in the coastal state, Kejriwal said, alleging that officers, MLAs and even ministers are accepting bribes.
