Jammu, August 20 — The controversy over helmetless motorcycle rides by politicians has taken a dramatic turn. Following the viral video of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Mehraj Malik riding without a helmet, the Regional Transport Officer has suspended his driving license for a period of three months.
The action came after widespread criticism on social media, where the legislator was seen riding a bike without a helmet, accompanied by a pillion rider, even as a police Gypsy and government-allotted security vehicle followed him.
The issue has further escalated after photographs of senior BJP leaders, including former State President Ravinder Raina and Leader of Opposition Sunil Kumar Sharma, also surfaced online showing them riding motorcycles without helmets.
These images have intensified the debate, with many questioning whether traffic laws are being applied selectively — strictly enforced on common citizens but overlooked for influential leaders.
In his statement, AAP MLA Mehraaj Malik admitted to violating the rule but appealed to the public to follow traffic laws and wear helmets for their safety. He, however, suggested that he was being “deliberately targeted” while pointing out that leaders from other parties were also seen committing similar violations.
With multiple leaders now under the scanner, the controversy has snowballed into a political storm. Citizens and activists are demanding equal accountability, urging the Traffic Department to take uniform action against all violators irrespective of their political stature.
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