Bhubaneswar, Sept 16: The State Transport Authority (STA) has instructed all Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) across Odisha to intensify enforcement against road safety violations, with a particular focus on the increasing trend of creating reels and videos while driving.

This directive comes after the instructions of Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena.

In response to the directive, the Khordha Additional RTO, in coordination with local police and RTOs from Jagatsinghpur and Bhubaneswar-I, seized a vehicle used to film a reel in front of a school in Haldia, Khordha. In the viral video, the driver was seen performing stunts in a moving car while not holding the steering wheel. Authorities have imposed a fine, initiated proceedings to suspend the driver’s license, and taken steps to cancel the vehicle’s registration.

In a similar incident, the Bhubaneswar-II RTO detained a motorcycle used by a couple to record a reel. Officials confirmed that action is being taken to penalize the rider and suspend his license.

In a separate case, authorities canceled the registration certificate of a truck involved in a fatal accident near Bariniputa in Koraput district. The truck driver, found to be driving under the influence of alcohol, caused the death of a woman. His license has been suspended, and he has been booked under the Motor Vehicles Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Officials stated that the STA’s actions are aimed at curbing reckless behavior on the roads and ensuring strict accountability for those endangering public safety.