Jammu Traffic Police Register FIR Against Repeat Offender Mini-Bus Driver for Overloading

RAJOURI JULY 06: As part of an ongoing crackdown on public transport overloading, the Traffic Police Rural Jammu has registered an FIR against a mini-bus driver for severely endangering passenger safety. During a routine inspection at Dhandkote, the Sector Officer (Traffic) Thanamandi intercepted a mini-bus (registration number JK11C-7235) en route from Dodaj to Rajouri. Driven by Mohd. Farooq of Kurhad Kotranka, the vehicle—which has an authorized capacity of just 24 seats—was found carrying an astonishing 22 additional passengers.

A subsequent background check revealed that the vehicle is a chronic offender, having been challaned 17 times in the past, including 16 offenses specifically for overloading. Due to this persistent disregard for public safety, FIR No. 45/2026 has been lodged against the driver at Police Station Darhal under Sections 281 and 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act.

This enforcement action highlights a massive, region-wide push; Traffic Police Rural Jammu issued 156 challans for overloading over the past week alone, with 29 registered on the day of the incident. The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) reaffirmed the department’s unwavering commitment to road safety, urging transport operators to strictly follow legal limits and warning that stringent criminal action will continue against anyone putting commuters’ lives at risk.