Ludhiana: In a public display of enforcement, the Khanna police used a bulldozer to crush around 150 illegal and modified motorcycle silencers at Amloh Chowk on Friday. The action was part of an intensified districtwide campaign to curb noise pollution caused by unauthorised vehicle modifications.Alongside the seizures, traffic police issued hundreds of challans to motorists operating motorcycles fitted with aftermarket silencers that emit loud, cracker-like sounds. Deputy superintendent of police (traffic) Karamvir Singh Toor and traffic in-charge Kuljit Singh were among the officials present during the destruction drive.Khanna SSP Dr Darpan Ahluwalia stated that they had received repeated complaints from residents about modified motorcycles disrupting markets and residential neighbourhoods. She noted that the deafening noise particularly distressed women, senior citizens, heart patients, children, and students.“The silencers were publicly destroyed to send a strong message that such violations would not be tolerated,” said Ahluwalia, adding that the specialised enforcement drive would continue into a second phase.The upcoming phase will target workshops, garages, and mechanics that install these illegal modifications. “Legal action, including registration of criminal cases wherever applicable, would also be taken against violators,” the SSP warned.Ahluwalia also appealed to parents to prevent their children from modifying vehicles or breaking traffic laws, warning that parents of minors caught violating these rules could face legal action.Local residents welcomed the initiative, noting that the crackdown would alleviate long-standing issues with traffic noise and act as a deterrent to promote compliance among youngsters.
