Wayanad: Fine slapped on KSEB jeep for carrying pole scrapped; driver to pay Rs 500

Wayand: The hefty fine of Rs 20,000 levied on a KSEB contract vehicle (known locally as jeep) for carrying a pole (thotti stick) by MVD has been retracted. However, the driver will have to pay a fine of Rs 500 for another offence.

A pole was spotted on top of the jeep in the Ambalavayal section by AI cameras installed in the region. It is used by KSEB workers to cut off branches of trees or other obstructions that fall on electricity cables. The MVD fined the owner for the offence. He was shocked when he received the notice on June 17, along with photographs of the incident.

The fine was withdrawn after KSEB officials informed the motor vehicle department about the ‘rather unusual’ incident. However, a fine of Rs 500 slapped on the jeep driver for not wearing a uniform will remain valid.

KSEB contract jeeps across the state usually carry "thotti sticks" on top, which can be used in emergency situations. Hence, KSEB electrical section Assistant Engineer E S Suresh, has intimated higher officials of motor vehicle enforcement and KSEB, about the odd incident.

After receiving the notice, with the fear of being fined again, KSEB workers are going for maintenance works without carrying pole on top of their vehicles.