Cops told not to chase helmetless drivers

Traffic cops have been asked to take a lenient approach in this issue. Usha’s case was not a one off incident as a couple of similar police excesses during vehicle checks had triggered unrest in the past in western districts. 

In December 2016, T Saravanan, a weaver from Koneripatty near Salem died by crashing into a lorry, when police chased him. This incident triggered unrest as public thrashed a team of policemen, who were involved in the vehicle check. The angry mob also set on fire police vehicles. 

In a similar incident in Salem district in July 2016, S Venkatraj (25) of Veeranam fell to death after a police constable hurled a lathi as the motorist. 

“Not just after the Tiruchy incident, police involved in vehicle checks are generally advised to abstain from chasing down helmetless riders,” said A Pari, IG, West Zone.