The Greater Chennai Traffic Police have officially denied claims made by Tamil news channels that circulated on 14 October 2024, regarding fines issued to cars parked in Velachery flyover.

With heavy rain alerts in effect for the next four days across Tamil Nadu, residents in Velachery and Pallikaranai parked their vehicles on a flyover, anticipating potential flash flooding. A video of the scene went viral, showing cars lined up along the bridge.

கனமழை எச்சரிக்கை: முன்னெச்சரிக்கையாக மேம்பாலத்தில் கார்களை நிறுத்திய பொதுமக்கள்.. பருந்துப்பார்வை காட்சி!#Velachery | #Chennai | #RainAlert | #ChennaiRains | #WeatherUpdateWithPT pic.twitter.com/CWY14y65yI

— PuthiyathalaimuraiTV (@PTTVOnlineNews) October 15, 2024

Following this, several Tamil news outlets, including Sun News and Puthiya Thalaimurai, reported that the traffic police were issuing ₹500 fines to those vehicles. Some car owners, who called to discuss their parked cars, expressed their frustration and stated they would not retrieve their vehicles until the rain subsided. This situation highlights the challenges Chennai faces during heavy rainfall and the associated flood risks.

தி.நகர் கலைவாணர் மேம்பாலத்திலும் (கோபதி நாராயணசாமி சாலை) வரிசை கட்டிய கார்கள்.. அபராதம் விதித்த போலீசார்!#Chennai | #TNagar | #Rain | #Parking | #Fine pic.twitter.com/maLiwRNm4q

— PuthiyathalaimuraiTV (@PTTVOnlineNews) October 14, 2024

#Watch | வேளச்சேரி மேம்பாலத்தை தொடர்ந்து பள்ளிக்கரணை மேம்பாலத்திலும் நிறுத்தப்பட்ட கார்களுக்கு அபராதம் விதித்த போக்குவரத்து போலீசார்.

மழை தொடங்கும் முன்பே போக்குவரத்துக்கு இடையூறாக மேம்பாலங்களில் கார்களை நிறுத்தக் கூடாது என போக்குவரத்து போலீசார் அறிவுறுத்தியுள்ளனர்.#SunNews |… pic.twitter.com/06g4BRQZUi

— Sun News (@sunnewstamil) October 14, 2024

However, the Greater Chennai Traffic Police via its official X account clarified that, “There has been a rumor circulating that the Traffic Police are fining vehicles parked on the bridges. Greater Chennai Traffic Police want to clarify that no such action is being taken. No such vehicles are charged. Strict instructions are given to all the traffic police personnel in Chennai city.”

“To further assist the public during the monsoon season, the Greater Chennai Traffic Police are taking additional steps to ensure convenience. Our Police Control Room will help citizens find nearby parking spots, ensuring that vehicles are parked safely and conveniently during the challenging weather. The safety and comfort of the public are our top priorities, and we are committed to providing the necessary support. Traffic Control Rooms North & West 044-23452330 South & East 044-23452362” It added.

For public information….#Chennairainupdate pic.twitter.com/vyFphEkPMq

— Greater Chennai Traffic Police (@ChennaiTraffic) October 14, 2024

With the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a red alert for October 16, 2024, predicting extremely heavy rainfall in Chennai and its surrounding areas, residents rushed to stock up on essential goods on 14 October 2024. People living in flood-prone regions hurried to park their vehicles on flyovers, despite warnings from the Chennai City Traffic Police that such parking would result in fines.

In response to the situation, Chief Minister MK Stalin directed officials to declare a holiday for schools and colleges in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu districts on October 15, which was designated an orange alert day. He also advised IT companies in these areas to allow employees to work from home from October 15 to 18.

To prepare for the impending weather, 1,181 relief camps and 469 boats have been put in place. These measures are being taken as the Regional Meteorological Centre forecasts the Northeast monsoon’s arrival over the southern peninsula by 16 or 17 October 2024. The IMD warned that some areas in Chennai and nearby districts, as well as five districts in the north and delta regions, could experience “extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm.”

Amid these warnings, many residents in Chennai, particularly in low-lying Velachery, chose to park their cars on flyovers, ignoring the threat of fines. One resident, Balaji Vaidyanathan, shared, “During the December floods, my sedan was submerged, costing me ₹80,000 in repairs. I can’t afford that again. Even if I get fined for unauthorized parking over four days, it will only amount to ₹4,000, much less than repair costs.”

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The post Dravidian Model: Media Reports Fines Levied On Cars Parked On Flyovers Amid Heavy Rain, Chennai Traffic Police Refutes Claim appeared first on The Commune.

A video capturing a rental goods carrier engaged in a heated argument with traffic police over a ₹500 fine despite possessing all required documents is gaining traction on social media. The incident unfolded in Chennai’s Kolathur area, where the driver confronted the police about the imposition of the fine, insisting that he had a valid license. The confrontation occurred during a routine vehicle check near the Senthil Nagar signal in Kolathur.

சென்னை கொளத்தூரில் தாம் உரிய ஆவணங்களை காண்பித்தும், வாகன சோதனையின் போது ஆவணங்கள் ஓட்டுநரின் கைவசம் இல்லை என்று குறிப்பிடப்பட்டு 500 ரூபாய் அபராதம் விதித்ததற்காக ஓட்டுநருக்கும் போக்குவரத்து காவலருக்கும் இடையே வாக்கு வாதம் ஏற்பட்டது..#Chennai | #Police | #TrafficRules | #Fine |… pic.twitter.com/oV1XdmIOGd

— Polimer News (@polimernews) May 6, 2024

The altercation began when the traffic police stopped a small cargo vehicle carrying school textbooks and attempted to levy a ₹500 fine. The driver of the cargo vehicle Senthamizhan became agitated, questioning the basis for the fine and even challenging the legitimacy of the officer’s identity due to the absence of a name badge on the uniform. Despite presenting his driving license and other necessary documents, the driver felt unjustly targeted by the police.

The Senthamizhan vehemently protested, arguing that he was within the permissible weight limit and demanding an explanation for the alleged violation. Expressing frustration, he remarked sarcastically about the ease of obtaining money by the police, mentioning his educational qualifications as a defense against perceived unfair treatment.

The incident escalated as the driver expressed his discontent, citing his extensive driving experience. Footage of the incident quickly circulated online, prompting public scrutiny of the police’s actions. Subsequently, the driver received a message on his phone informing him of a fine for driving without a license, further fueling outrage among netizens who questioned the basis for such penalties given the driver’s compliance with documentation requirements.

Driver Senthamizhan said “I was carrying a load of school books, Kadambathur is the drop for me from MKB Nagar Vyasarpadi, for me two drops one is Kadambathur and the other one is near Kummidipoondi near Tiruvallur I was coming for it, I was coming via Kolathur route and when I crossed Senthil Nagar signal they put a barricade on the middle of road and asked me to pull over the vehicle. I asked why are you asking me to pull over the vehicle the sergeant present there said ‘Go there they’ll say’. I pulled over the vehicle, the incharge came with me went there and asked ‘what happened sir?’. A school incharge came with me for the books. When he went and asked, he (police) asked to put a small case and leave. He has asked ‘Sir, why should you put a small case and leave without saying anything, what’s this,  for what? . He (police)  asked who are you? he said I am incharge, he (police)  said tell the driver to come, I got down. I (Driver) asked what sir, you don’t know why, you should’ve come why are you sending him to come, just take a case and go. When I (Driver)asked what the case was, he said it was an obstruction case. I (Driver) said sir tell me what obstruction is, he (police)  said obstruction means obstruction, what to say other than that. what obstruction sir, he (police) said I don’t know English, (Driver) I know, I asked you to explain what obstruction is, but he didn’t explain anything, no proper answer was provided.”

Afterward, Senthamizhan informed the traffic police that he would document the entire encounter. In response, the officer dismissively retorted, “Do whatever you want.” Later, addressing reporters, Senthamizhan emphasized his qualifications as a postgraduate in mathematics and holder of a degree, asserting his adherence to regulations. He pointed out that his vehicle, a 2021 model, had recently passed its fitness certification, and all his documentation was in order. Frustrated, Senthamizhan expressed disbelief at being fined despite having all the necessary paperwork, suggesting a prevalent trend of extortion—either face legal action or pay a bribe, colloquially known as “entry,” typically amounting to 50 rupees. He also highlighted that he had adhered to the prescribed weight standards, as demonstrated in the video footage. Senthamizhan expressed dismay over the situation, highlighting the challenges of earning a meager daily income and the numerous financial responsibilities associated with running a vehicle and managing household expenses. He found it distressing and appalling that the police were resorting to such methods to extract money from individuals like himself.

"வா வா எங்க போற ஒரு கேஸ் போட்டுட்டு போ, இல்லன என்ட்ரி கட்டிட்டு போ".. சம்பாதிக்கிற காச இவங்களே வழிப்பறி பண்ணிட்டா நாங்க வீட்டுக்கு என்ன எடுத்துட்டு போறது? இந்த காசு உடம்புல ஒட்டுமா?.. கொளத்தூரில் நடந்த கொள்ளை?.. காரணமே இல்லாமல் அபராதம் போட்ட போலீசார் – சரமாரியாக கேள்வி கேட்ட… pic.twitter.com/5hSzFM6wkk

— Polimer News (@polimernews) May 6, 2024

Authorities have taken note of the viral video, pledging a thorough investigation and appropriate action against those involved. Concerns have been raised by motorists regarding the indiscriminate imposition of fines by traffic police, calling for clearer directives from higher authorities to ensure fair enforcement of regulations.

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The post Video Of Alleged Chennai Traffic Police Wearing No ID Imposing Fine On Goods Carrier Driver Goes Viral, Driver Says Fine Imposed For No Reason appeared first on The Commune.

In an alarming incident, a group of intoxicated gang, including a retired Special Sub Inspector (SSI), in a state of high due to alcohol, violently assaulting a fellow passenger who had simply asked them about their disruptive behavior caused by their car in broad daylight on the city streets.

Authorities are actively pursuing a retired SSI and his associates who were involved in a violent altercation with a hotel owner. The incident occurred when Manivannan, a resident of Dayappan Street in Georgetown, Chennai, was driving to his establishment in the OMR area with his girlfriend. A red car abruptly stopped at the junction of the Pattinapakkam loop road, causing Manivannan to brake suddenly to avoid a collision. When he inquired about the sudden stop, the occupants of the car, five individuals, assaulted him.

Despite Manivannan’s cries for help, bystanders and an assistant traffic inspector, who happened to be present but have not swiftly intervened. One of the assailants, allegedly inebriated and claiming to be retired police officer Loka prakasam, verbally threatened Manivannan. The attackers proceeded to tear his shirt in front of onlookers and pursued him onto the road, issuing death threats.

Despite pleas from the public, the traffic police on the scene failed to intervene, instead choosing to record the incident on their phones, much to the shock of witnesses. Eventually, Manivannan was rescued and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, while the assailants fled the scene in a car.

Manivannan lodged a complaint at the Pattinapakkam police station, prompting an investigation. A special task force has been assembled to apprehend the perpetrators, particularly focusing on those who were intoxicated during the attack. Simultaneously, authorities are scrutinizing the conduct of the traffic police who were observed enjoying the situation rather than intervening.

Meanwhile, the video capturing the harrowing ordeal, including Manivannan being pursued and his shirt torn in front of his girlfriend, has surfaced on social media, went viral.

தலைக்கேறிய போதை..! இளைஞரை விரட்டி விரட்டி தாக்குதல் – Retd.Police எனக்கூறி அத்துமீறல்#Chennai #Pattinapakkam #Traffic #Drunkards #Attack #Police #NewsTamil24x7 pic.twitter.com/RrVT2wnCKa

— News Tamil 24×7 (@NewsTamilTV24x7) May 3, 2024

(With inputs From Kamadenu)

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The post Chennai’s City Streets Witness Shocking Assault As Intoxicated Gang Thrashes Businessman Amid Traffic Police Presence appeared first on The Commune.

In an incident of police extortion, traffic police in Chennai fined an elderly couple for allegedly not wearing masks while travelling inside their private car.

A tweet posted by a journalist of The New Indian Express said that her parents who were travelling in their own car near Royapuram bridge on January 31 were cornered by the traffice police and fined ₹500 for not wearing masks.

My parents were fined Rs.500 tonight near Royapuram bridge for not wearing a mask inside their own car. For how long will @ChennaiTraffic continue this extortion in the name of enforcing #COVID19 protocol? pic.twitter.com/RnijxUXfkC

— Nivetha Sekar (@NivethaSekar10) January 31, 2022

The journalist lashed out at the Chennai Traffic Police asking how a closed private car with two people from the same house be a ‘public’ place?

“Now we know what’s the pathetic reality behind all those 100s of crores of fines collected every day for Covid ‘violations’.”, she mentioned in her tweet.

This has led to a huge outcry on social media with netizens coming down heavy on city’s traffic police for extorting the public under the garb of fine.

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The post Chennai Traffic Police fine elderly couple for not wearing masks inside car appeared first on The Commune.