Claims he was punished for being BJP worker and raising issues of drugs, illegal mining
Mandi (Munish Sood)
What started as a traffic challan with record penalty has now taken the shape of a gripping controversy, with allegations of personal revenge and political pressure coming to the fore.
A modified Mahindra Thar SUV was fined Rs 1,05,500 by the police in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district recently, the incident grabbing national headlines due to the hefty amount.
Thar owner approaches Mandi SP
The car owner, Chandr Mani, who is also the vice-president of the BJP youth wing for Sundernagar, has accused the Dhanotu police station in-charge of targeting him due to personal vendetta and political pressure.
Speaking to the media after meeting Mandi Superintendent of Police (SP) Sakshi Verma, Chandr Mani alleged that his vehicle was singled out because he raised his voice against the drug and mining mafias operating in the area.
Challan slapped on December 5, 2024
The controversy dates back to December 5, 2024, when Chandr Mani’s Thar was slapped with a whopping Rs 1 lakh fine for alleged air pollution violations and vehicle modifications.
An additional Rs 5,500 was imposed for incomplete vehicle documentation. According to Chandr Mani, the modifications were limited to alloy wheels, yet the police station in-charge not only imposed an exorbitant fine but also harassed his friends and relatives by issuing unwarranted challans.
But the matter doesn’t end here. Chandr Mani alleged that the officer stood outside his house for two hours on the day of the challan, further suggesting a deliberate attempt to target him.
“I’ve seen heavily modified vehicles roaming freely in the area without being fined. Why is my vehicle the only one being penalised?” he questioned.
Alleges harassment since he raised public issues
The BJP leader believes his activism against drug and mining mafias has not gone down well with certain powerful circles.
“Since I started raising these issues, I’ve been facing continuous harassment. Within just three months, challans worth Rs 1.15 lakh have been issued for my vehicle. This isn’t about traffic rules, this is about silencing my voice,” he claimed.
Chandr Mani further alleged that Congress leaders in the region have been exerting pressure on the police to tarnish his reputation and disrupt his work in the community. “This is nothing but a personal and politically motivated attack,” he said.
Mandi SP orders investigation
After hearing Chandr Mani’s complaints, Mandi SP Sakshi Verma has ordered an inquiry into the matter. “We are taking these allegations seriously. If the investigation finds any wrongdoing on the part of the police officer, appropriate legal action will be taken,” she assured.
While the inquiry is underway, the incident has triggered a heated debate in Himachal Pradesh on whether this was an overreach by the police or a case of the law being enforced selectively.
People too divided in their opinion
The challan has sparked divided opinions among locals and on social media. Some argue that no one should be above the law, and vehicle modifications that harm the environment should be penalised. Others, however, see this as a troubling example of misuse of power and political targeting.
As the controversy unfolds, Chandr Mani’s allegations of revenge and political vendetta have added a layer of intrigue to what initially seemed like a routine traffic violation. All eyes are now on the SP’s inquiry report, which could potentially uncover deeper truths about the dynamics between law enforcement and politics in the region.
