25 parents jailed for letting minors drive

Police file 825 cases against kids for traffic violations

Twenty nine people, including 25 parents, were sent to jail and four children to juvenile home in a span of five months from February to June for letting their minor children drive. One parent underwent an imprisonment of 30 days and the penalty of `6.3 lakh was collected from all the cases.

“Parents shouldn’t permit their minor children to drive vehicles in a public space. They are not only putting their child’s life in danger but also endangering the lives of other commuters. They don’t have much experience or knowledge to drive on roads,” said additional commissioner of police (traffic) Anil Kumar.

All the persons were immediately sent for counselling and then to courts. When asked about the success of the counselling session Mr Kumar said that there was definitely some change but “we are not satisfied with this. Ours was a sustained effort and we will continue this in future too”.

The traffic police have booked 825 cases on minors for violating traffic rules and collected fines Rs 6.3 lakhs from them.

In Tolichowki129 cases have been booked and Malakpet stands next with 111 cases followed by Nampally with 109 cases at the end of June.

K. Venkat Reddy, Malakpet circle inspector traffic said, “On Friday, I booked cases against two minors. Lack of awareness among citizens was the main reason for such violations. I request parents to control their children and not give vehicle to their children.”

Omar Baig, father of 14-year-old child, who was sent to juvenile home for violating traffic rules said, “I am not satisfied with the decision of the magistrate to send my child to juvenile home for seven days. That was the first time my child took the bike to get a book from his friend and the traffic police caught him and fined `1,000. My son has lost seven days of his school. Will they compensate it? He couldn't get out of that incident and was lagging behind in the class.”