Mysuru Grapples with Escalating Wheeling Incidents, Second Highest in Karnataka
Mysuru city has witnessed a concerning rise in wheeling cases, securing the dubious distinction of ranking second only to Bengaluru in Karnataka. This trend has ignited serious road safety debates, with data presented in the state legislative council highlighting not only the surge in stunt riding but also a parallel increase in minors illegally operating vehicles.
Official Data Reveals Steady Climb in Violations and Fines
Responding to a query from Mysuru-Mandya MLC Madhu G Madegowda, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara disclosed that 48 wheeling cases were registered in Mysuru city in 2025, resulting in fines of Rs 1.2 lakh. This marks a consistent upward trajectory from 31 cases in 2024 and 26 cases in 2023. Over this three-year period, authorities collected a total of Rs 4.3 lakh in penalties from offenders.
In a stark contrast, within the broader Mysuru district police jurisdiction, only a single wheeling case was recorded in 2024, underscoring the urban concentration of the problem.
Alarming Spike in Minors Riding Vehicles
The minister further informed the legislative council that 149 cases involving minors and their parents were filed in Mysuru city over the last three years for minors riding vehicles, with fines amounting to Rs 16.1 lakh. Comparatively, the district police registered 20 such cases, collecting Rs 16,400 in penalties.
When placed against Bengaluru's figures, Mysuru's numbers, while lower, reveal a persistent issue. In 2023, Bengaluru reported 242 wheeling cases versus Mysuru's 26. The gap widened in 2024, with Bengaluru at 532 cases and Mysuru at 31. For 2025, Bengaluru led with 646 cases against Mysuru's 48.
Experts Highlight Under-Reporting and Enforcement Gaps
Roy Joseph, President of the Mysore Grahakara Parishat, emphasized that streamlining traffic fine collection and ensuring strict rule enforcement are critical to curbing both wheeling and minors riding vehicles, which pose significant public safety threats. He and other experts cautioned that the actual number of incidents might be higher due to potential under-reporting.
Echoing these concerns, city-based neurologist Dr. Shushrutha Gowda linked the increase in road traffic accidents to higher vehicle ownership, a preference for private transport, and rapid urban and industrial growth. He identified a particularly worrying trend: the rise in two-wheeler use among adolescents aged 14 to 20, often associated with risky behaviors like wheeling.
Severe Health Consequences and Call for Action
Dr. Gowda noted clinically that this adolescent demographic is increasingly presenting with severe injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries such as subdural and epidural haematomas
- Intracranial haemorrhage
- Chest and abdominal trauma
- Various fractures
He stressed that helmet non-compliance significantly elevates the risks of death and long-term disability. Meanwhile, experts have urged police to not only streamline fine collection to ensure violators pay but also enforce rules stringently to reduce these hazardous cases.
