Inspectors to face action if subordinates flout helmet rule

Stressing the importance of wearing helmet while riding two-wheelers, the State police chief pointed out in the formal communique that has been sent to all Commissioners, IGs, DIGs and SPs that a lot of fatal accidents involving police personnel were reported recently.

As not wearing helmet while riding two-wheelers is punishable under Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act, inspectors should ensure that sub-inspectors, constables and other personnel in the lower rank also followed the rule strictly.

Action would be taken on inspectors if their subordinates met with an accident and sustained injuries due to non-wearing of helmet, the communique stated, sources said. It may be recalled that police personnel started booking cases against pillion riders not wearing helmet after the Madras High Court came down heavily on the Police Department for not enforcing the helmet rule properly. An official told DT Next that just like the High Court order was followed to restrict police personnel in the lower rung using mobile phones at work, this order would also be enforced in a strict manner.