‘You are creating a scene here...’, writing ‘Yadav’ on the number plate turned costly
A group of young men in Lucknow faced police action for driving a vehicle with a fake number plate and unauthorized siren while making social media reels, drawing attention on the G-20 road.
In Lucknow, India, a late-night incident on the prominent G-20 road caused a stir when police stopped a Scorpio vehicle that had a fake number plate and an unauthorized siren. The occupants were filmed making social media reels and allegedly attempting to show off by playing the siren. This action caught the eye of Inspector Sudhir Awasthi, who was on patrol at the time. Upon inspection, it was discovered that instead of a legitimate number plate, the vehicle displayed the caste indicator 'Yadav', pointing to an effort by the owners to assert a social identity.
The police inquiry revealed multiple violations, including the illegal use of a siren and the absence of a proper number plate, leading to stern admonishment from Inspector Awasthi. Videos from the scene captured Awasthi reprimanding the young men, stressing that such displays of arrogance and illegal behavior won't be tolerated on public roadways. He firmly questioned their actions, hinting that he could seize additional vehicles if necessary, indicating a zero-tolerance stance on lawlessness.
The incident highlights ongoing issues surrounding road safety and the rule of law in India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. The use of caste names as identifiers on vehicles underscores the challenging interplay between social status and legality. Authorities are increasingly vigilant about enforcing traffic regulations and addressing the misuse of power that can arise from social identities, aiming to foster a safer environment for all citizens.