Police have launched legal action against motorcyclists who failed to install mandatory safety rods, intensifying enforcement measures ahead of Basant celebrations. Authorities confirmed that cases have been registered at multiple police stations under Section 188 on complaints filed by police officials, signaling a shift from warnings and fines to formal legal proceedings.
According to sources, violators will now face court action in addition to monetary penalties. The move comes as part of broader safety arrangements aimed at preventing injuries caused by kite strings during the Basant period, when incidents involving sharp or metallic strings have historically posed serious risks to motorcyclists and pedestrians.
Last month, Lahore Capital City Police Officer Bilal Siddique Kamyana had announced that police would begin fining motorcyclists riding without safety rods from February 1. He had made it clear that the measure was a key component of Basant-related safety planning and would be enforced strictly across the city.
Under the initiative, police launched a large-scale campaign to encourage compliance before enforcement began. As part of this effort, authorities planned to install safety rods on one million motorcycles free of cost. Police teams were deployed at various locations to fit rods and distribute awareness pamphlets, educating citizens about the risks of kite strings and the importance of protective measures.
Despite repeated warnings and facilitation, officials said many riders continued to ignore the requirement, prompting police to initiate legal action. The CCPO had earlier reiterated that there would be zero tolerance for violations of Basant safety regulations, stressing that public safety would not be compromised under any circumstances.
In addition to the safety rod requirement, police have also warned against aerial firing and the use of hazardous kite strings. Authorities said strict action would be taken against anyone found violating safety rules during the festival period, adding that enforcement teams will remain active throughout Basant.
Officials urged citizens to cooperate with law enforcement and follow safety guidelines to ensure that Basant celebrations remain festive rather than tragic. They emphasized that the measures are preventive in nature and aimed at protecting lives during one of Punjab’s most popular cultural events.
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