VIP culture hooters thrive illegally in Madhya Pradesh:Shopkeepers advise hiding them inside bonnet to evade police

Since 2017, following central government orders, horns and sirens fitted on vehicles have been banned in Madhya Pradesh. This step was taken to curb VIP culture. However, in reality, not only are vehicles fitted with horns in violation of the rules, but these are also being used openly. Moreover, prohibited horns are being sold freely, and shopkeepers are instructing buyers on ways to hide them from police. When the Bhaskar team visited car accessory shops in MP Nagar, one of Bhopal’s busiest areas, they found that horn sales and installation deals were taking place without any fear.
Some shopkeepers offered to fit a 15-watt VIP siren on the car roof, while others advised installing a small horn inside the bonnet to avoid police detection. One even said, “If you fit it on top, it will be visible. Fit it inside… the police won’t even know.” Installing a prohibited horn carries a fine of up to ₹5,000. Traffic police claim to act periodically, but in reality, enforcement appears minimal. Now learn how hooter deals are happening in the capital How exactly are banned horns being fitted on vehicles in Bhopal? To expose this, Bhaskar conducted a two-pronged investigation. Reporters posed as ordinary customers at car accessory shops to inquire about horn installation. On 24 February, a reporter visited TIA Car Decor in MP Nagar. They asked the staff to fit a horn on their new Scorpio. Staff immediately agreed and quoted ₹8,500, saying it would be fitted on the roof. When the reporter asked to see the horn, staff cleverly directed them to Royal Group of Engineering Company (Ahuja Shop), described as the largest supplier of horns. They said, “We don’t keep horns here, we just fit them. You can get it from the supplier and we’ll install it.” At Ahuja Shop, the reporter met Sony Ji. Reporter: Want to install a hooter on the car. Soni: Do you want to install it on top of the car or on the bonnet? Reporter: Please tell the rates for both. Sony: Two large mic sets will be mounted on top of the car, it will cost 7 thousand. The installation mechanic will charge 2000-2500 Rs. separately. It will have two types of sirens – one ambulance type and another VIP voice type. (After saying this, Mr. Sony demonstrated both types of sounds from the mic kept in the shop to the reporter) Reporter: There’s a risk of police fines for mounting them on top. Sony: Then you can get a small 10-watt mic installed inside the bonnet. That will cost less too. A small hooter will be installed for 4 thousand. The mechanic will only charge 500 Rs. Since it will be inside the bonnet, police won’t even see it. A button will be installed near the steering, you can use it whenever needed. Mr. Sony gave his visiting card to the reporter and said to come anytime for installation. This conversation was solid proof that restricted hooters were being sold and installed at this shop without any fear. Here the reporter met with shop owner Nikhil Hotwani. Reporter: Want to get hooters installed on the vehicle. Nikhil: First tell me, do you want the hooters installed outside the vehicle or inside the bonnet? Inside will cost Rs 4500 with one mic and machine. If you want two sirens with two mics, it will cost Rs 6000. Reporter: And on top of the vehicle? Nikhil: On top, two large mics, machine and rod will be installed. Including wiring-fitting, it will cost Rs 8500. You bring your vehicle, work will be done hand-to-hand. When honorable people themselves break the law Surprisingly, it’s not just ordinary citizens violating the law. During Madhya Pradesh Assembly sessions, several legislators’ vehicles were seen fitted with horns and sirens. Recently, in Rajgarh, Congress district president Priyavrat Singh submitted a memorandum to the SP demanding removal of horns from BJP leaders’ vehicles. He also provided photos.
Meanwhile, district panchayat member Yashwant Gurjar joked that a leader’s horn in his village frightened the buffaloes, stopping them from giving milk, making everyone, including the SP, laugh. What does the law say and what is the police’s stance? Senior Advocate Aryan Urmalia explains, “Under Section 19 of the Motor Vehicle Act, pressure horns and hooters are completely prohibited. Selling or circulating them is a criminal offence. District administration can conduct raids and take strict action. Police can issue fines and file cases. Both the Madhya Pradesh High Court and Supreme Court have repeatedly directed authorities to act against sellers of prohibited horns.” Police officer said – We take action from time to time When Bhaskar contacted Bhopal Traffic Police Additional Commissioner Basant Kumar Kaul, he said, “Traffic police periodically check vehicles and issue fines according to transport department instructions. Fines range from ₹3,000 to ₹5,000. Exceptions exist for ambulances, fire brigades, emergency service vehicles, transport officers, executive magistrates, and police vehicles. Municipal officials and police use sirens together during encroachment removal.” However, this claim by the police does not match at all with the findings of Bhaskar’s investigation. If action was being taken, shopkeepers would not dare to sell and install hooters so openly. It is clear that either no action is being taken, or it is so weak that criminals have no fear of the law.