Instagram Stunt Costs Odisha Couple ₹16,000 in Traffic Fines

Key Points
Cuttack RTO penalizes couple for filming dangerous bike reel without helmets.
Public complaint led to rapid identification and legal action against the vehicle owner. Authorities caution against risky stunts for social media, citing legal consequences.
Cuttack, Jul 29: A couple from Athagarh in Cuttack district has been slapped with a ₹16,000 fine by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) for performing a dangerous motorcycle stunt while filming a reel for Instagram.
The video, which went viral, showed the husband riding a Royal Enfield Bullet with his wife seated precariously on the fuel tank, both without helmets.
The stunt, recorded on a busy road, sparked widespread criticism on social media. A concerned citizen tagged the Odisha Transport Department, Cuttack District Collector, and other officials, demanding strict action. Responding swiftly, the RTO identified the vehicle owner as Mohan Sahu and issued a challan under multiple sections of the Motor Vehicles Act.
Breakdown of the Fine:
- ₹5,000 for dangerous driving (Section 184)
- ₹10,000 for air and noise pollution (Section 190(2))
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✨- ₹1,000 for not wearing helmets (Section 194D)
The Cuttack District Collector had earlier directed the RTO to take immediate action, emphasizing that such reckless behaviour not only endangers the riders but also sets a dangerous precedent for others.
Transport authorities reiterated their commitment to road safety, warning that misusing public roads for viral content creation will invite strict legal consequences. Similar incidents have been reported in Sambalpur, where seven youths were fined ₹21,500 for performing stunts on a scooter.
The Odisha Transport Department has urged citizens to refrain from such acts and prioritize safety over social media fame.
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