'Where Were Rules...?' Minister After Teen Son Fined Rs 7000 for Traffic Violation over Viral Video

Jaipur: Following a viral video showing the minor son of Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister and Transport Minister Prem Chand Bairwa driving a modified vehicle while being escorted by a government vehicle, the state Transport Department has issued a fine of Rs 7,000 for various traffic violations.

The video, which gained traction on social media, captured Bairwa's son driving on Amber Road in Jaipur. In the passenger seat was the son of Congress leader Pushpendra Bhardwaj, with two other individuals seated in the back. According to the traffic challan, the vehicle being driven belonged to Bhardwaj’s son. The escorting government vehicle was identified as a Rajasthan government vehicle equipped with a police beacon.

Charges and Penalties

The Transport Department detailed the fines imposed on Bairwa's son, which included Rs 5,000 for the "unauthorised alteration of a motor vehicle," Rs 1,000 for not wearing a seat belt, and Rs 1,000 for using a mobile phone while driving.

Bhardwaj's son received a notice dated October 1, requesting clarification under the Motor Vehicle Act within seven days. 

Bairwa's Response to the Controversy

In response to the backlash generated by the viral video, Deputy CM Bairwa commented on the influence of his position. He said that since taking office, his son has had opportunities to associate with affluent individuals and experience luxury vehicles. Bairwa stated, “I want to thank the honourable Prime Minister for making someone like me the Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan . If wealthy individuals allow my son to sit with them in their car and give him a chance to see luxury cars, then I am thankful.”

He defended his son, claiming that the vehicle escorting them was for security purposes and questioned where the rules were violated. Bairwa said, “The (police) vehicle was following the vehicle for security. If people interpret it differently, that’s their perspective, but I do not blame my child or his friends. They were just together.”

Regret Over the Incident

Despite his initial defence, Bairwa later expressed regret over the controversy, stating he did not want the BJP party to be negatively impacted because of his family's actions.