Pune Police Launch Major Crackdown on Modified Bike Silencers in Kharadi
In a decisive move to combat noise pollution and reckless riding, the Kharadi police in Pune executed a significant enforcement operation on Tuesday, resulting in the seizure of 45 two-wheelers, including high-powered Bullet motorcycles. The vehicles were found to be equipped with illegally modified silencers, which police promptly crushed using a bulldozer to prevent reuse and send a stern warning to offenders.
Residents' Complaints Spark Police Action
The crackdown was initiated in response to a flood of complaints from frustrated residents in Kharadi, who described their neighborhood as being transformed into a virtual war zone due to the deafening, firecracker-like noises emitted by these modified exhausts. According to police reports, young riders had been systematically removing company-fitted silencers and installing aftermarket devices designed solely to produce extreme noise levels, particularly while speeding through residential lanes during late evening and night hours.
Senior Inspector Sanjay Chavan emphasized the severity of the issue, stating, "We received numerous complaints from residents about the extreme noise caused by modified silencers. Such alterations are illegal and create significant disturbance, as well as pose safety risks. Strict action will continue against anyone violating motor vehicle norms." The police conducted multiple patrols and set up checkpoints across key routes, intercepting two-wheelers that produced loud noises. On the spot, officers removed the illegal silencers, replaced them with original, firm-approved exhausts, and initiated legal proceedings against the riders.
Community Relief and Broader Enforcement Efforts
Residents expressed overwhelming relief following the police action. Neha Satav, a local resident living near a busy internal road, shared, "It was like repeated firecrackers going off outside our homes, especially at night, disturbing children and senior citizens almost daily." Another resident, IT professional Rohan Mehta, added that deliberate loud revving by riders had made it difficult to sleep or work from home, and he welcomed the crackdown after multiple complaints.
Under the supervision of Sub-Inspector Rahul Kolpe and the Kharadi police investigation team, the operation culminated in the bulldozer crushing of the confiscated silencers, symbolizing a zero-tolerance approach. Police have assured that similar enforcement drives will persist to curb reckless riding and illegal vehicle modifications. They have also appealed to Kharadi residents to report instances of motorcycles creating explosive noise or violating traffic norms, promising prompt action.
City-Wide Crackdown on Noise Pollution
This incident is part of a larger city-wide effort by the Pune traffic police to address noise pollution from modified vehicles. Over the last five days, police have seized 650 motorcycles with illegal silencers across various areas, including Wagholi, Yerawada, Katraj, Sinhagad Road, and Warje. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Himmat Jadhav highlighted the ongoing measures, stating, "Our teams have taken actions in multiple parts of the city. We have seized these vehicles and will release them only after collecting fines. We are planning to arrange counseling sessions for the youngsters who have fitted illegal modified silencers to their motorcycles."
The crackdown underscores a growing commitment to enforcing traffic laws and protecting public peace in Pune, with authorities leveraging both punitive actions and educational initiatives to deter future violations.
