Arunachal: East Siang Police crack down on modified silencer pipes in Pasighat

Pasighat: The Arunachal Pradesh East Siang District Police, in collaboration with the Bogong Banggo Yameng Kebang (BBYK), a local youth organization of Bogong Banggo Kebang (BBK), jointly conducted a major awareness drive on Tuesday at the Pasighat market against the use of modified silencer pipes.

The initiative aimed to highlight the increasing complaints about noise pollution caused by illegally altered and modified exhaust systems, particularly among two-wheeler riders.

During the programme, officials informed the public about the legal implications of using, selling, and installing modified silencers, reminding everyone that such acts are punishable under various sections of the Motor Vehicles (MV) Act, 2019.

Police authorities explained that under Section 190(2) of the MV Act, 2019, offenders using or driving vehicles with illegally modified silencers will face a penalty ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000.

Meanwhile, under Section 269 of the MV Act, 2019, offences related to violations affecting public safety and noise norms will attract a fine of Rs 5,000.

Under Section 82A(3) of the MV Act, 2019, dealers, workshops, or manufacturers found selling, installing, or promoting modified silencer pipes are liable for a penalty of Rs 1,00,000, along with the possibility of licence cancellation and imprisonment, explained Ayup Boko, Dy. Superintendent of Police, East Siang District, Pasighat.

Speakers at the event from the Bogong Banggo Yameng Kebang and the Pasighat Market Association stressed that modified silencers not only disturb public peace but can also lead to safety hazards and environmental damage.

Leaders from the Bogong Banggo Yameng Kebang, including Dangki Ering and Ojong Rome, urged the youths to act responsibly and support the effort to maintain a peaceful atmosphere in Pasighat and its surrounding areas by complying with the prohibitory orders against the use of modified silencer pipes.

The East Siang Police will continue strict enforcement drives and will penalize all violators without exception.

The awareness programme aimed to educate citizens in general, and dealers and workshops in particular, to encourage collective responsibility in curbing the rising trend of illegal vehicle modifications, which fall under cognizable offences.

Non-cooperation with the prohibitory orders will be dealt with under strict sections of the law, the police authorities said.