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Karnataka
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Bangalore
‘No question of allowing drag racing’
BANGALORE: Public Eye caught up with Police Commissioner Shankar M. Bidari and quizzed him on drag racing.
Q: Drag racing has been in the city for nearly a decade. Many youngsters are being involved in it. How are the police looking at it?
A: Drag racing and wheeling are dangerous as well as adventurous. There is a lot of risk involved not only for the riders but also to people. We cannot allow such activities on public roads.
Can’t you prevent youngsters from taking part in it?
We are not against drag racing; we appreciate it. It is the sense of adventure that drives them to go for it. But such a spirit should be exhibited in appropriate spaces, perhaps in a stadium or an earmarked space. Let them do it by taking adequate safety measures, including wearing helmets. Most drag racers are found not using helmets.
Is the city police sending a proposal in this regard?
There is no question of city police sending such a proposal.
The drag racing community has to take the lead and approach the State Government. They can seek facilities similar to those provided for motor sport.
How do you penalise drag racers?
It’s a simple issue of booking the racers for rash and negligent driving. We have been enforcing it for a long time. But the unfortunate incident (Mohammed Mukkaram Pasha’s shooting by the Army) has brought the focus on drag racing.
How are you going about the task of handling drag racers?
We have been dealing with drag racers firmly and effectively.
We are invoking deterrent sections in the Indian Penal Code. Under no circumstances should a public road be allowed to be used for such activities at any time of the day.
Is it risky to intervene when a drag race is in progress?
We have a duty to enforce traffic rules. Risk is a part of our profession. We place barricades and attempt to check it.
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