CHENNAI: Suspension for traffic sub-inspector who performed puja in the middle of the road. Palani, a sub-inspector of Chennai Maduravoyal Traffic Enforcement Division, got suspended from service. He performed puja on Maduravoyal-Sriperumbudur road in Chennai to prevent road accidents. A transwoman was designated for this purpose.

In the video, the ash gourd to perform puja is handed over to the transwoman by Palani and the ash gourd is smashed on the road as per the ritual. According to Hindu belief, breaking the ash gourd after reciting mantras helps ward off evil spirits. The ash gourd was smashed on the road when vehicles were passing, the police officer left without removing its remnants from the road.

Chennai traffic police personnel break pumpkin on road ‘to end accidents’. pic.twitter.com/9dcqx71lVt

— Ajmal Aramam  (@AjmalAramam) June 10, 2023

The officer performed the puja in an accident-prone area. 120 accidents have occurred here in the last six years. For this reason, the police have advised not to smash ash gourds on the road for shop openings, vehicle puja etc.