Wrong-side rider rows with cops, held under new rule

Two bikers and a car go the wrong way to avoid a U-turn on the Western Express Highway, in Dahisar, on Wedneday. Pic/Satej Shinde

Soon after Mumbai Commissioner of Police Sanjay Pandey announced that people found driving or riding on the wrong side of the road would be booked for rash driving, MHB police have booked and arrested a 49-year-old, who was riding on the wrong side, from IC Colony in the night for allegedly quarrelling and obstructing police personnel from performing their duty.

The accused, Oswald Pereira, was booked and arrested under Section 353 (assault or use of criminal force to any public servant in the execution of his duty) of the Indian Penal Code.

Police sources said that officers of a Nirbhaya Squad were taking appropriate legal action against violators of traffic rules around 10.30 pm when a biker, Pereira, was heading in the opposite direction while speeding and recklessly riding.

The duty officer stopped Pereira, but he started arguing with the police. "He asked why we were taking action during the night. He also ran towards an officer shouting that we were harassing the people. This caused commotion and locals gathered," said an officer.

Several other police officers who were patrolling nearby also reached the spot and tried to calm him down.

"The accused started threatening us and also called a local political leader who talked to our officers. When the officer informed the leader about the incident, he gave instructions to take proper action and disconnected the call," the police officer added.

The accused was brought to the police station and arrested. He was produced before a court on Wednesday and has been remanded in police custody, said another officer.