UP MLA rides bike without helmet, asks police to fine him Rs 1,000

A viral video showed BJP MLA Shalabh Mani Tripathi riding a Bullet motorcycle without a helmet in Deoria. He later asked police to issue a challan, paid the Rs 1,000 fine and urged riders to follow traffic rules.

In Short

• BJP MLA rides motorcycle without helmet in Deoria
• MLA admits mistake, cites party worker's request for ride
• MLA urges public to wear helmets and follow traffic rules

A viral video showing BJP MLA Shalabh Mani Tripathi riding a motorcycle without a helmet in Uttar Pradesh’s Deoria has led to an unusual turn of events, with the legislator himself requesting police action and paying a fine of 1,000 for the violation.

The incident, which took place on May 17, triggered widespread reactions on social media after visuals showed the MLA riding a Bullet motorcycle along with other bikes and a trailing vehicle.

VIRAL VIDEO SHOWS HELMETLESS RIDE

The video shows the Deoria Sadar MLA riding a Bullet motorcycle without a helmet, accompanied by three other motorcycles and a black SUV following behind.

The clip quickly circulated online, drawing attention to the apparent breach of traffic rules.

According to reports, the ride took place near the MLA’s residence in Mehdapurwa area of Deoria.

MLA ADMITS VIOLATION, REQUESTS ACTION

Later, Shalabh Mani Tripathi acknowledged the incident on social media, saying the ride took place due to a request from a party worker who had recently purchased a new motorcycle.

In his post, he said he could not refuse the request to “inaugurate” the bike and admitted that riding without a helmet was a mistake.

“I could not turn down his request and rode the bike without a helmet, an act that is, strictly speaking, a violation of the rules,” he said.

He also added that he had personally contacted the Deoria police and requested that a challan be issued against him.

POLICE ISSUE Rs 1,000 CHALLAN

Following his request, Deoria police issued a challan of Rs 1,000 under the Motor Vehicles Act, which the MLA subsequently paid.

Traffic Sub-Inspector Gulab Singh confirmed the action, saying the viral video had been reviewed and legal proceedings initiated accordingly.

‘WEAR HELMET, AVOID MISTAKES’, MLA APPEALS

The MLA later issued a public appeal urging citizens to strictly follow traffic rules and always wear helmets while riding two-wheelers.

“Wearing a helmet is essential not only for following traffic rules but also for your own safety. Do not repeat the mistake I made,” he said.

He further urged people to encourage safety awareness among family and friends, stressing that negligence on roads can be dangerous.

SOCIAL MEDIA REACTION AND CLARIFICATION

The video and the MLA’s response sparked wide discussion online, with many reacting to his decision to voluntarily seek punishment.

Tripathi also confirmed that the video circulating online was genuine and explained that it was recorded during a short ride from his residence after the informal bike inauguration request.

The case has since drawn attention for the unusual move of a public representative requesting action against himself, even as the incident continues to circulate widely on social media.

- Ends