Police in Amritsar to impose fines for motorcyclists with concealed facial identities while riding.
In an aim to boost identification and deter criminal activities, the traffic police in the city have decided to penalize two-wheeler riders who conceal their faces. The decision comes after numerous instances where offenders managed to evade authorities by masking their identities. According to Amandeep Kaur, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), this practice will be applied to female and male riders equally.
"Individuals riding two-wheelers while wearing face coverings will be subject to citation," Kaur stated. She emphasized that only those with documented medical issues would be exempt from the rule. "Regardless of gender, everyone will be monitored. This practice is a serious concern, and no exceptions will be made for masked riders," she added.
Previously, similar restrictions on covered faces were enforced by the city police in the years 2016-17, with offenders being summoned for violating orders issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Law and Order.
The policy is aimed at preventing unscrupulous individuals from committing crimes undetected. According to Kaur, covering one's face makes it difficult for the police to trace perpetrators. Offenders will face sanctions in either a court of law or at the Regional Transport Office.
In an additional initiative, the traffic police, in collaboration with the Municipal Corporation, are launching a campaign to remove encroachments within the city. Orders will also be issued against encroachments on government land, footpaths, and roads.
"This new traffic rule, as stated by Amandeep Kaur, also includes penalizing news of individuals wearing face coverings on two-wheelers, except those with documented health-and-wellness reasons. The decision, reviving an old practice from 2016-17, aims to prevent offenders from committing crimes under the radar, as covered faces make identification difficult."
"In a broader approach, the traffic police and the Municipal Corporation are planning a campaign on health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise topics, focusing on removing encroachments within the city. This initiative extends to government land, footpaths, and roads, promoting a safer and more orderly environment for residents."
