Kochi: The area surrounding the Kakkanad IT park has turned out to be the hub for the illegally modified cars and superbikes, causing a nuisance to commuters and people living in the vicinity. In a recent incident, the authorities nabbed a car that was modified with wing-like structures resembling aircraft. The superbikes seized by the authorities were installed with modified silencers causing deafening noise. These offenders often use roads that lack police surveillance, especially during the night hours.
The car, which was speeding along various roads in Kakkanad with the sound of an aeroplane, was enough to blow the ears of the locals. Car and bike racing gangs are also active on the Infopark Express Highway and the Seaport-Airport Road using supercars and bikes with over 1000cc engines. According to locals, they could not be caught due to excessive speeding.
Earlier, the police and the Motor Vehicles Department had taken strong action to curb the competition of superbikes. However, with police easing the regular checking, the youth started to roam around with modified bikes and cars. The youngsters were often found involved in car and bike racing on the National Highway between Gold Souk to Edappally, Chathiath Road, Goshree Vallarpadam area, Kadavanthra, Gandhinagar and near Kaloor International Stadium.
Most of the speedsters are students aged between 18-24. There are also allegations that many of these offenders are said to be linked to the growing drug lobby in the region.
Meanwhile, MVD has imposed heavy fines for those who modify bikes and cars. According to the revised fine, Rs 5,000 will be levied for each modification of the vehicle. Further, the court will be deciding the punishment for offences including reckless driving. This can range from driving license cancellation to vehicle seizure. If the silencer and lights are modified, the fine is Rs 10,000. That means, Rs 5,000 will be charged for each modification.
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