Udupi: In an unfortunate turn of events for four drivers, a joyride that included dangerous driving led them straight into the clutches of the law. The police filed cases against them for reckless driving on the bustling National Highway 66 and arrests have been made.
The incident came to light on May 23 when a concerned citizen informed Kaup Police Station PSI, Suma about the incident. The informant reported a group of four cars engaging in driving dangerously on the NH-66 in Kaup.
The gravity of the situation became more apparent when the informant shared a viral video circulating on social media, showcasing the recklessness exhibited by these drivers.
Following an investigation into the matter, it was revealed that the video was shot within the jurisdiction of the Kaup Police, covering the stretch between Moodabettu Village and Mooluru Village along the highway.
A 29-second video clip rapidly gained traction across social media platforms, unveiling nerve-racking scenes of reckless driving. The footage captured the drivers of the four cars engaging in reckless racing and blatantly flouting traffic regulations, endangering the lives of fellow motorists.
The video documented audacious manoeuvres like zigzagging through traffic and partially driving on the median. Of particular concern was a blue Mahindra Thar, driven by Mishaluddin, who dared to perform an extremely hazardous stunt on the highway. The footage exhibited Mishaluddin manoeuvring his Thar over the median, precariously balancing the vehicle on its right-side wheels.
All four drivers involved in these reckless antics are identified to be residents of Udupi and were subsequently apprehended by the authorities. The drivers are Ayaan (24) from Udyavara Village, driving the black Hyundai Creta; Mishaluddin (23) from Kunjibettu, behind the wheel of the notorious blue Mahindra Thar; Shanoon D’Souza (25) from Udupi, driving a white Toyota Fortuner; and Vivek (23) from Kodanthur, driving a white Maruti Suzuki Swift.
While these vehicles were seen in the video and the drivers caught, there is one more car which was not caught by the authorities. A grey Toyota Glanza bearing a Kasargod (KL 14) registration that was driving dangerously and is still at large. According to reports, this car is blacklisted for several counts of speed violations and compounding amount.
The Kaup Police acted promptly under the aegis of Udupi SP Akshay Machindra and took measures to address the situation at hand. Consequently, all four vehicles involved were seized. The accused individuals now face charges under Sections 279 and 336 of the Indian Penal Code, pertaining to rash driving and endangering public safety.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the perils associated with reckless driving and its potential to wreak havoc on our roads. Since these antics were observed on the busy National Highway between Mangaluru and Udupi, the diligent efforts of the law enforcement agencies demonstrate their commitment to maintaining order and ensuring safety of the public.
At the end of the day, it is highly advised to keep such dangerous driving patterns limited to video games. With such manoeuvres performed at high speeds amidst traffic, anything could go wrong.