In India, the issue of smoking in moving vehicles and the careless disposal of cigarette butts on roads is widespread. Recently, a contentious incident occurred in Bengaluru, known as the IT hub of India, where a verbal altercation erupted between a motorcyclist and an auto-rickshaw passenger over a cigarette.
According to the motorcyclist, the auto-rickshaw passenger, while holding a cigarette, accidentally touched his leg as the three-wheeler passed by his two-wheeler in JP Nagar 5th phase. This action prompted the motorcyclist to stop the auto-rickshaw and confront the passenger. Sheikh Moin, who recorded and shared the incident on social media, also accused the auto-rickshaw driver of reckless driving, almost causing a collision with his motorcycle.
In the video, Moin stated, “He was smoking publicly. When questioned, he became defensive.” The smoker retorted, accusing Moin of seeking attention by filming them. In response, the motorcyclist sarcastically remarked, “You must be a celebrity for me to film you.”
5:59pm 7th Apr – Jp nagar 5th phase
This passenger in auto was chilling out smoking in public while his hand was out of the auto which touch my leg while the auto driver passed by me.When questioned I was pushed aside almost crashed me to footpath. @BlrCityPolice pic.twitter.com/aXm0iHdSQa
— Sheikh moin (@sheikhenfield) April 7, 2024
Inside the auto-rickshaw, the passenger argued, “What’s your issue if I smoke in my hired vehicle?” He suggested involving the police, as Moin had noted down the auto’s number and his own. Eventually, the auto-rickshaw departed as the argument continued.
The footage also captured the auto-rickshaw driver siding with the passenger, despite both parties agreeing to involve the police.
Although smoking inside an auto-rickshaw is punishable by law, many passengers disregard this as long as the driver is permissive. Similarly, instances of auto-rickshaw drivers smoking inside their vehicles are not uncommon in Bengaluru and other cities.
Moreover, there are frequent cases of individuals carelessly discarding lit cigarette butts, posing risks to motorcyclists, motorists, and pedestrians alike. These actions can lead to serious consequences such as corneal abrasions, skin burns, distractions for drivers, and even potential vehicle fires.
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