Social media abuzz with messages claiming helmet being made compulsory for two-wheelers in Bhatkal; Here's the truth

Bhatkal 4 August 2018: (Bhatkallys News Bureau) For the past few days, local social media groups are abuzz with reports and messages claiming the implementation of of new regulation by Bhatkal police that will ask all the two-wheeler riders and pillion riders to compulsorily wear helmets on roads. Some claimed it (the message) to be issued by the police department, while some rubbished it terming it to be rumors. Bhatkallys.com spoke to the officials of police department to know about the credibility of the piece of information that was being shared on social media groups. Speaking to Bhatkallys.com Bhatkal town PSI Basavaraj confirmed the reports and added that the department is only implementing a Supreme Court order which was yet to be implemented in Bhatkal. "It is the Supreme Court order, which we are regulating now, it was not implemented here in Bhatkal yet. This is in the best of interest of two-wheeler's and their health, this will make them less vulnerable to serious injuries in road accidents". Basavaraj added. Bhatkal Dy.SP Valentine D'Souza added "Yes, we have already started booking cases against those violating this regulation, we started this couple of days and some cases have already been booked so far. We are also collecting a alternate fine of Rs. 100/- against booking the cases, we will increase the amount of fine once we completely regulate the whole thing, our officers are also warning people after collecting fines to wear helmet". The move comes as the department has been showing its keenness of regulating traffic laws to curb the increasing traffic congestion in the town. (Bhatkallys News Bureau/ Ismail Zaorez)