Kerala Police crack down on underage driving in northern districts

Kerala police have conducted a special enforcement operation across northern districts to combat underage driving. The crackdown, directed by North Zone Deputy Inspector General K. Karthick, resulted in 55 minors being caught driving illegally. The operation was launched following a fatal crash in Cheranalloor involving an underage student driving a luxury car.

Kozhikode recorded the highest number of violations with 23 cases, followed by Kannur with 18, Kasaragod with 13, and Wayanad with one. In a separate incident in Pathanamthitta, police intercepted a 16-year-old who had been posting videos of himself driving cars and motorcycles on social media. In that case, authorities seized vehicles and registered cases against the parents and owners for allowing minors to operate vehicles.

Law enforcement officials confirmed that criminal charges have been filed under the Juvenile Justice Act alongside motor vehicle penalties. All apprehended minors will be referred to the Juvenile Justice Board, and authorities are extending accountability to the adults who provided the vehicles.