BJP MLA pays Rs 1000 fine after viral video shows him riding without helmet

Deoria: A BJP MLA, Shalabh Mani Tripathi, requested police authorities to issue a traffic challan against him after a video surfaced online showing him riding a motorcycle without wearing a helmet.

Following his request, the police imposed a fine of Rs 1,000 in accordance with traffic rules, which the legislator subsequently paid.

Viral video prompts MLA to seek action

The incident came to light after footage of Tripathi riding the motorcycle without protective headgear circulated on social media.

According to the MLA, the episode took place on Sunday evening while he was having tea at his residence. He said a party worker had recently purchased a new motorcycle and requested him to "inaugurate" the vehicle by taking it for a ride.

Tripathi stated that he agreed to the request and rode the motorcycle despite not wearing a helmet, acknowledging that doing so amounted to a breach of traffic regulations.

“I could not turn down his request and rode the bike without a helmet, which, strictly speaking, is a violation of the rules,” he said.

Letter sent to police administration

The BJP MLA later contacted the police administration and formally requested that action be taken against him under the applicable traffic laws.

Police subsequently issued a challan of Rs 1,000, and the amount was deposited by Tripathi.

BJP worker Anuj Pramod Mani also shared information regarding the purchase of the motorcycle and had urged the MLA to inaugurate it by taking a short ride.

Speaking about the incident, Tripathi said, “Despite not having a helmet, I could not turn down his request. We both rode the motorcycle up to my residence, an act that is incorrect from the standpoint of both traffic regulations and safety.”

MLA urges public to follow traffic rules

Tripathi also used the occasion to appeal to people to comply with road safety regulations and wear helmets while riding two-wheelers.

“Wearing a helmet is absolutely essential not only for complying with the traffic laws, but also for one's own safety. Please do not repeat the mistake I made. Always ensure you wear a helmet while riding a vehicle and do not be negligent,” he said.

The MLA further explained that he ended up riding the motorcycle for a short distance without a helmet because of the repeated insistence and affection shown by the party worker requesting a test drive.

He admitted that the decision was an error and acknowledged that the incident violated both safety norms and traffic regulations.

Agency inputs