Lucknow: A 29-year-old man in an inebriated state set his bike on fire in Moradabad’s busy Majhola area after an argument with traffic police who fined him for riding with three passengers. Amrish Kashyap alleged that he had been issued challans amounting to Rs 10,000 in two days.
A resident of Hasanpur area in Amroha district, Kashyap works as an assistant in a grocery shop. A video of the incident, widely shared on social media, shows Kashyap expressing discontent, claiming the fines exceeded his salary. He had travelled from Amroha to Moradabad with his wife and cousin to visit relatives.
When stopped by police at Choudhary Charan Singh Chowk, he argued that the authorities didn’t consider his financial situation. Subsequently, he set his bike on fire, which was quickly extinguished by a constable. Traffic inspector Anuradha Singhal and SHO Majhola Sanjay Panchal then rushed to the spot. A breathalyser test confirmed he was under the influence of alcohol. He was detained and an FIR was lodged against him at Majhola police station. He was granted bail later.
Amrish said, “I’m not a rich man and cannot afford to buy a car to travel with my family. I requested the cops to forgive me as they had fined me yesterday as well but they didn’t heed my plea. I’m not in a position to pay hefty fines.”
SHO Majhola said, “The biker was intoxicated and tried to pressure the police, but we acted according to the law. Traffic rules exist for everyone’s safety.”
