Panchkula: Panchkula police impounded an Innova and issued a Rs 33,000 challan after finding it fitted with an illegal siren and red-blue beacon lights. The driver, a builder, allegedly told police he had installed the devices to project influence and status.Police said a traffic patrol team was on duty in Sector 9 when officers heard a siren from a passing Innova. The vehicle was stopped for inspection, during which police found an unauthorised red-blue beacon light installed on it.The driver failed to produce valid vehicle documents and identified himself as a builder. During questioning, he allegedly admitted that he had installed the siren and beacon lights to flaunt his influence.Police said a check of records revealed that nearly 20 traffic challans were already pending against him in Chandigarh and Panchkula for previous violations.Following the inspection, police issued a Rs 33,000 challan and impounded the vehicle, which was taken to Sector 5 police station for further legal proceedings.Police commissioner Pankaj Nain said the misuse of sirens and beacon lights would not be tolerated. He said such devices are meant exclusively for emergency vehicles, including ambulances, fire tenders and police vehicles, to ensure quick response during emergencies and save lives. Their use by private individuals to display status or influence is illegal.
