Updated

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Sep 11: The Kapu police have registered a case against a pickup vehicle driver for allegedly transporting around eight to ten children in the rear cargo area in a dangerous manner. The vehicle has also been seized by the authorities.

The incident reportedly took place around 7:30 pm on Thursday, September 10, near the Katpady underpass on National Highway 66. The pickup truck, bearing the registration number KL-33-B-7463, was travelling from Mangaluru towards Udupi with the children standing in the open rear body of the vehicle.

A video of the incident recently went viral on social media, showing the vehicle being driven recklessly. The footage sparked outrage over the blatant negligence that endangered the lives of the children and clearly violated vehicle permit regulations.

Taking cognizance of the viral video, the Kaup police registered a case against the driver on Friday, September 11. He was booked under sections 281 and 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), as well as sections 66 read with 192(A), and 100 read with 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act.

Further investigation into the matter is underway.

Earlier Report

Udupi: Children travel in goods tempo on NH 66; safety concerns raised

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Sep 11: A video showing children who had participated in a cultural programme allegedly travelling in a goods tempo on National Highway 66 from Kaup towards Udupi has gone viral on social media, raising serious concerns over child safety.

The incident was reportedly captured at Katapady, where several children can be seen travelling in a goods vehicle after participating in a cultural event. The visuals have sparked criticism from the public, who questioned the decision to use a goods tempo to transport children.

With several cultural and religious programmes, including Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, scheduled to take place in the coming days, concerns have been raised that similar unsafe transportation practices could recur if adequate precautions are not taken.

Members of the public have urged the authorities to take appropriate legal action against the driver responsible for transporting children in the goods vehicle and to strictly enforce safety regulations.

“Celebrations and culture are important, but not at the cost of children’s lives,” the public said, stressing that children must be transported only in safe and legally permitted vehicles.