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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ED undertakes raids in Jharkhand Ayushman Bharat 'fraud' case
Ranchi, Apr 4 (PTI): The Enforcement Directorate on Friday conducted multi-state searches, including at the premises of the private secretary of former Jharkhand health minister Banna Gupta, as part of a money laundering probe into alleged irregularities in the Centre's Ayushman Bharat scheme, official sources said.
The officials of the federal probe agency raided 21 locations in Jharkhand, Delhi and West Bengal under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the sources said.
Premises linked to Om Prakash Singh, Gupta, apart from that of "key suspects", including consultants and former executives of associated firms, were raided early morning. A security team of central paramilitary personnel accompanied the officials of the federal probe agency.
Locations of officials linked to the Jharkhand State Arogya Society (JSAS), employees and offices of Third-Party Administrators (TPAs) like MD India, Safeway, Medi Assist and their associates were also raided, they said.
There was no immediate response to the ED action by Gupta or his PS.
ED teams raided a house in Mango locality and a nursing home along NH-33 in Jamshedpur city apart from locations in Ashok Nagar and Bariyatu in state capital Ranchi.
In Kolkata, the offices of some "entry operators" or hawala dealers are being raided, the sources said.
The ED, agency sources said, suspects that "proceeds of crime" were generated through systematic "fraud" within the Ayushman Bharat scheme through "manipulation" of hospital empanelment and processing of "fake" claims facilitated by a "nexus" demanding commissions and kickbacks.
Ayushman Bharat is a flagship scheme of the Union government which aims to achieve universal health coverage for citizens.
