MANGALURU: As per reports, Mangaluru police have decided to impound vehicles violating traffic laws. However, few reports suggest that the police are eyeing Kerala-registered vehicles mostly after a spike in traffic violations, purportedly involving students from Kerala.

Set belts, tinted glass, and triple pillion riding are major breaches of traffic laws seen on Manguluru roads.

Officials blame Kerala-registered two-wheelers, mostly owned by students, for more than 90 per cent of the traffic violations happening in the city. Officials raised concerns that the reckless driving at late hours was putting the lives of locals at risk. It is also reported that the Commissioner of Manguluru city held talks with the Superintendent of Police of Kasaragod regarding the issue and obtained the cooperation from the Kerala officer. Awareness campaigns have already kicked off in certain colleges in Mangaluru, where Kerala students form a lion's majority.

There were also rumours of residents near colleges raising concerns over the reckless driving by students. Some have even sought a response from college management over the issue.

Social media is divided over the selective targeting of Kerala students by Mangaluru police with the new decision to impose good traffic norms.

“There is bias from Manguluru police, and there is no doubt over it. The moment they glimpse a Kerala registration vehicle coming their way, the trap has been set. I have been caught several times by police in Manguluru just for being a Malayali. Every time, a certain amount will be deducted from me as a fine without handing me back a receipt. I have seen many Manguluru registration vehicles pass without helmets and sometimes have even pointed out the same to officials, only to receive snide remarks and further threats. The trouble worsens for Malyalees who are poor when it comes to conversing in Kannada,” opined a Malayali doctor who has been in Manguluru for the past ten years.