COIMBATORE: Coimbatore: The Coimbatore city police have issued a stern warning to candidates and functionaries of political parties for not wearing helmets while campaigning on two-wheelers. Police said FIRs would be registered against those found campaigning on two-wheelers without wearing helmets. The crackdown comes after several candidates and their supporters were found flouting the Motor Vehicles Act. Prominent figures were recently spotted navigating the city’s narrow lanes on motorcycles to build a rapport with voters. Images and videos of these rallies showed leaders and their cadres riding without helmets, often carrying party flags and shouting slogans.According to a senior police officer, “The law is the same for every citizen, whether they are a common man or a candidate. While we understand the intensity of the election season, safety cannot be compromised. We have already issued warnings to political parties, and our teams are now documenting further violations through CCTV footage and field reports.”Police sources have indicated that the department was planning to file cases under relevant sections of the IPC and the Motor Vehicles Act. Police are monitoring triple-riding and the use of modified silencers during these rallies.Party leaders have been advised to ensure that their followers adhere to the “no-helmet, no-ride” rule to avoid legal hurdles during their campaign trail.
