A puzzling case has emerged from Agarpada in Bhadrak district, where auto-rickshaw owner Ramakrishna Nath was stunned to discover a fine imposed for not wearing a helmet while travelling in his vehicle—a mistake dating back four years.

The challan, issued near Balipokhari in 2021, lists an outstanding amount of Rs 1,000, which Nath came across while trying to renew his vehicle’s pollution certificate.

Vehicle Category Error

Adding to the confusion, Nath’s auto is a goods-carrying vehicle, but the challan incorrectly recorded it as a “three-wheeler passenger auto,” leading to a fine under rules that do not apply to his vehicle.

“When I went to renew my pollution certificate, I was shocked to see a fine for not wearing a helmet while driving an auto-rickshaw. I couldn’t proceed with the pollution process, and I had no idea such a law applied to my vehicle. Now I am confused about whether to buy a helmet or pay the fine,” Nath said.

Owner Left Worried

The error has left Nath deeply concerned, as the fine neither matches the nature of his vehicle nor the alleged offence. The case underscores the importance of verifying and correcting traffic enforcement records promptly to prevent unnecessary harassment of vehicle owners.