The Kolkata Police have intensified efforts to address the issue of fake poll stickers on vehicles, ensuring that violators do not simply escape with fines under the Motor Vehicles Act. In a series of recent incidents, the police have gone beyond standard penalties, filing impersonation charges and applying multiple sections of the Motor Vehicles Act.
In the lead-up to the phase-7 polling and counting day, police checks revealed a disturbing trend: over 600 vehicles were found displaying counterfeit stickers. These included not only generic ‘police’ and ‘judge’ stickers but also those purporting to identify the vehicle as belonging to an ‘election observer’. Sources at Lalbazar noted the variety of fake stickers, which also included labels such as lawyer, media, bureaucrat, human rights activist, and special prosecutor. “Now that voting is over, all government stickers must be removed from non-government commercial vehicles,” a police officer stated. Lalbazar has mandated prosecutions against vehicles parked in designated ‘no parking’ areas and those displaying fake parking stickers and boards. Vehicles displaying unauthorised police stickers, including those used by civic volunteers, will face legal action.
The crackdown intensified during the election period, with a noticeable increase in apprehended vehicles on the day before and the day of the election. An officer at Lalbazar mentioned, “All sergeants have been instructed to act without hesitation and prosecute any private cars and two-wheelers found with fake stickers.” This rigorous enforcement comes in the wake of public outcry over crimes committed using vehicles with fake stickers, an issue that surfaced prominently about a year ago. The legitimacy of such stickers has been a matter of concern, exacerbated by recent controversies in other states over stickers with religious messages, which police have also acted against.
In Chennai, for instance, cases involving fake stickers were filed under Section 198 of the 1988 Motor Vehicles Act and Section 177 of the Central Motor Vehicles Act, highlighting a broader national issue.
The concerted effort by the Kolkata Police aims to restore order and ensure the proper use of vehicle identification stickers, particularly during sensitive periods such as elections. By taking a firm stance on this issue, the police hope to deter future misuse and maintain the integrity of law enforcement operations in the city.
