MVD’s ‘Operation Night Hunt’ nets 60 violators, ₹2.74 lakh in fines in Kochi

A file photo for representational purpose. | Photo Credit: THULASI KAKKAT The Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) in Ernakulam booked 60 of the over 100 vehicles inspected for serious traffic violations and collected fines amounting to ₹2.74 lakh during a special enforcement drive, Operation Night Hunt, which continued through the night into the early hours of the morning.The drive, conducted under the direction of Ernakulam Regional Transport Officer Biju Isaac, was aimed at cracking down on vehicles with illegal modifications, excessive noise emissions, and other traffic violations. Four squads were deployed across key areas of the city as part of the operation, which was carried out between 8 p.m. on Thursday (November 5, 2026) and 5.30 a.m. on Friday.The operation focused on major corridors, including Kaloor Stadium Link Road, Nettoor Bund Road, and Panampilly Nagar. The special drive was launched following widespread complaints that illegally modified vehicles fitted with noisy exhaust systems and high-intensity lights were disturbing residents and disrupting the peaceful life of the city residents, particularly during night hours. Such vehicles had been affecting the sleep and peace of residents, especially elderly people and children, besides posing a threat to other road users through reckless driving, according to a release issued by the department.More than 100 vehicles were inspected during the operation, of which 60 were booked for serious traffic violations. Twenty-nine cases were registered for modified silencers, 21 for riding without helmets, 10 for the absence of Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC), seven for illegal modifications to lights, seven for triple riding, five for lack of insurance coverage, five for concealed number plates, two for improper registration, and 15 for other miscellaneous violations.The department warned that strict enforcement against illegally modified vehicles and dangerous driving would continue in the coming days to ensure road safety and public peace. Motor Vehicle Inspectors Vinod Kumar N and Sujith George led the inspection teams.The operation assumes significance in the wake of two high-profile crashes at Nedumbassery and Cheranalloor involving premium cars that claimed four lives in the city last month. In both cases, the drivers, including a minor in one instance, were found to have been overspeeding. In the Nedumbassery case, the 19-year-old driver was reportedly coasting at 144 kmph at the time of the collision that claimed the lives of three youngsters. Published - November 06, 2026 05:00 pm IST