SUV seized after being taken to edge of 3,000-foot-deep gorge for reels near Mudigere

CHIKKAMAGALUR, MADIKERI: Forest department officials in Mudigere have seized Mahindra Thar SUV belonging to a Bengaluru resident for violating Forest Act by parking the vehicle on the edge of a 3,000-feet-deep cliff for making social media reels.

The oncident occurred Ranijhari, a famous tourist spot and viewpoint in Mudigere taluk in Sunkasale Panchayat limits. Forest officials have seized the SUV and registered a case.

Meanwhile, a Mahindra Thar SU with police-style lights was seized by the traffic police in Kushalnagar of Kodagu district, and a case has been registered. Police have warned that strict action will be taken against vehicles with illegal modifications.

While conducting vehicle checks in Kushalnagar, police noticed that Mahindra Thar SUV (KA 53 MN 9762) had lights resembling police vehicles and blinding flash lights fitted. Immediately, the Traffic SI and staff took the vehicle into custody and inspected it. As the violation of rules was confirmed, an FIR has been registered against the vehicle owner at Kushalnagar traffic police station.

Lights and sirens reserved exclusively for police vehicles are illegal when used on private vehicles. Such modifications not only create confusion among the public, but also violate traffic rules, police said. Police have warned that special inspections will continue and strict action will be taken against vehicles with illegal lights, sirens, and other unauthorized modifications. They have requested the public to stay away from such illegal modifications.

In another incident, a Thar overturned after the driver lost control on Kote Betta road near Madapura in Somwarpet taluk, on Wednesday evening.It is said that tourists were traveling in the car. It is not yet clear how many people were injured in the accident. Locals and rescue personnel rushed to the spot and carried out operations.

With the help of a crane, the overturned Thar car was lifted and brought back onto the road. Later, the vehicle was safely moved from the spot. The exact cause of the accident is not yet known. A case has been registered at Somwarpet police station regarding the incident.