Bengaluru Police Launch Crackdown on Underage Driving After Fatal Accidents
Following two devastating accidents on the outskirts of Bengaluru that claimed the lives of 12 young individuals, city police commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh has issued a stern warning to parents and vehicle owners. The police chief emphasized that strict legal action will be taken against those who provide vehicles to minor children or youths without valid driving licenses.
Special Police Drive Against Underage Driving
Commissioner Singh announced that police will conduct an intensive special drive targeting minors operating both four-wheelers and two-wheelers without proper authorization. "Traffic police have strategically planned this drive. If we encounter anyone riding or driving without a valid driving license, cases will be registered against both the underage individual and their parents or the vehicle owners," Singh declared during a press briefing.
The police commissioner revealed alarming statistics from the past three years:
- 620 cases registered against minors operating vehicles
- Approximately 1,420 cases of dangerous wheeling violations
- 349 cases filed against parents or vehicle owners
Recent Tragic Incidents Prompt Action
Singh highlighted two particularly serious cases that occurred recently in Hosakote and Madanayakanahalli, where most of the deceased were minors. These tragic incidents have prompted the police department to intensify their enforcement efforts against traffic violations involving underage drivers.
Legal Consequences and Vehicle Seizure
Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Karthik Reddy detailed the legal ramifications for violators. "Once a case is registered under the Indian Motor Vehicle Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the vehicles involved will be immediately seized. Furthermore, the parents or vehicle owners will be produced before the court to face legal proceedings," Reddy explained.
The traffic police official added that individuals previously involved in wheeling cases are being closely monitored. "We have booked numerous wheeling cases in the past, and those offenders remain under our surveillance," Reddy stated.
Appeal to Parents and Educational Institutions
Police authorities have made a strong appeal to both parents and educational institutions to help curb this dangerous trend. "We urgently request parents to maintain vigilant oversight of their children's activities and strictly prohibit them from riding or driving without proper authorization. Simultaneously, we appeal to educational institutions to actively create awareness among students about the severe risks and legal consequences of underage driving or operating vehicles without a valid license," Reddy emphasized.
Statistical Overview of Underage Driving Cases
The police department provided detailed statistics highlighting the growing concern:
- Cases Against Minors Without Driving Licenses:
- 2025: 414 cases
- 2024: 197 cases
- 2023: 95 cases
- Wheeling Violations by Minors and Youths:
- 2025: 646 total cases booked (159 against minors/parents)
- 2024: 532 total cases booked (120 against minors/parents)
- 2023: 242 total cases booked (70 against minors/parents)
The Bengaluru police department's intensified campaign represents a comprehensive approach to addressing the critical issue of underage driving, combining strict enforcement with community awareness initiatives to prevent further tragedies on the city's roads.
