The Motor Vehicles department has imposed a fine of ₹10,000 on the owner of a tipper truck and an earthmover machine after a video surfaced on social media showing a 17-year-old boy operating both vehicles.
In addition to the fine, the vehicle owner was directed to complete three days of social service at a government hospital. The accused, identified as Kunjumon of Kaviyoor, near Thiruvalla, was found to have allowed the minor to drive the vehicles and film the act.
The incident came to light during a police inquiry into a harassment complaint against the boy, a Plus Two student from Kuttapuzha. While recording his statement, the student revealed that he had also operated heavy vehicles and posted the footage as reels on his social media page.
Acting on this information, the Thiruvalla police examined the videos and submitted a report to the Joint RTO, recommending strict action against the vehicle owner. The report, filed by police inspector S. Santosh, noted that such behaviour sends a harmful message to society.
Following a detailed investigation, the Joint RTO found the vehicle owner guilty of permitting a minor to operate heavy machinery. The boy reportedly drove the vehicles at an excavation site in the Kuttoor area with the owner’s consent. The videos have since been deleted from the boy’s social media account.
Published – July 15, 2025 07:50 pm IST
