Nagpur: With traffic police initiating action against 4,645 motorists on Wednesday, the city topped the state in terms of traffic violation cases on Independence Day. Nagpur was followed by Pune where police booked 4,030 motorists, followed by Mumbai at 2,604 cases. Thane was fourth with 1,278 cases.The traffic cops also nabbed 49 people for drunk driving and 161 motorcycle riders were detained for making loud noise.The city traffic police, led by deputy commissioner of police (traffic) Raj Ratan Raushan, had launched a drive to curb hooliganism in the name of I-Day celebration.On Independence Day last year, the traffic police had booked 3,175 violators. “Like last year, the cops had decided to keep strict vigil on the roads so as to nab traffic violators, especially unruly bikers,” a senior traffic inspector told TOI.TOI too witnessed that despite steep fine, possible jail term and heavy traffic police presence, rogue motorists trashed traffic rules while ‘celebrating’ Independence Day in the city. In addition to car and motorcycle processions organized by many citizens, motorists were also roaming around rashly, carelessly and honking unnecessarily.Data procured from deputy commissioner of police (traffic) office revealed that this year the rise in rogue motorists being booked was due to CCTV cameras installed at various traffic intersections and roads. With the help of Command Operation and Control room, the cops booked 2,021 violators, while five zones penalized 1,710 motorists and issued them e-challans and 914 violators were issued paper challans.Unlike last year, there were not many groups who performed stunts or revved bikes, especially at Telangkhedi promenade — essentially because the stretch was closed for vehicular traffic. “Cops also rounded-up riders who were waiving huge flags and creating nuisance for other motorists,” the senior cop said.Zone-II led by senior PI Atul Sabnis penalized highest number of motorists as most riders were booked for hooliganism, especially speeding on Telangkhedi road despite it being closed for traffic. The senior PI also made dozens of youngsters do 50 sit-ups as a punishment for not following traffic rules as most of them were either riding triple seats or without helmets.Like every year, the traffic police blocked vehicular movement on Telangkhedi promenade. The move created congestion on busy Amravati road as motorists parked their vehicles by the roadside and also in internal lanes of adjoining localities like Hindustan Colony, Himalaya Valley Condominium.

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