Mangaluru authorities have initiated legal proceedings against a car driver following an incident near Jeppu Mahakali Padpu where he allegedly obstructed a traffic police officer's duties and violated traffic regulations. The Mangaluru City Traffic South Police Station registered a case on November 7 against Samruddh Bhat, identified as the driver, based on a complaint filed by Assistant Sub-Inspector Girish Kumar P.M.
The incident unfolded on November 5 when ASI Girish Kumar P.M. was performing traffic control duties near Mahakali Padpu. He stopped a Kerala-registered Omni car, which was heading towards the city from Thokottu, after observing that neither of its two occupants was wearing a seat belt.
According to the detailed complaint, when confronted about the violation and asked to furnish vehicle documents, the driver, Samruddh Bhat, exhibited arrogant behaviour. He reportedly attempted to obscure his lack of a seat belt with a piece of paper, actively impeding the officer's lawful duty. As ASI Kumar moved to seize the vehicle, a standard procedure when documentation is not provided, Bhat allegedly pushed the officer's hand aside. He then promptly started the vehicle and left the location.
The complaint also states that Bhat recorded the entire interaction on video and subsequently uploaded it to Instagram before his departure. Police identified Samruddh Bhat by reviewing the Instagram account associated with the uploaded footage.
ASI Girish Kumar P.M. has formally urged authorities to take stringent legal action against the accused. The charges against Bhat encompass obstructing a government official's duty, a serious offence, in addition to several traffic rule infringements. The case is now under active investigation by the Mangaluru City Traffic South Police.
Image: varthabharati.in
đź“° Source: Vartha Bharati DK