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Kerala is currently experiencing heavy rainfall, and many low-lying regions are already flooded. Rescue and relief operations are underway in different parts of the state. Modified vehicles owned by civilians are also being used for these rescue operations. Recently, one such modified Mahindra Thar that was being used for flood rescue and relief operations was fined by the Kerala Motor Vehicles Department (MVD). Reports and videos of the incident went viral, and even politicians got involved. Now, a new report has surfaced online claiming that the officer who issued the fine to the modified Mahindra Thar has been suspended.

The video report has been shared by Asianet News on its YouTube channel. The incident took place in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. The modified Mahindra Thar, owned by Amal, was being used for flood rescue and relief work in the Aranmula region. The SUV had been modified for off-road use and was reportedly performing well in the flooded areas.

Officials from the Motor Vehicles Department spotted the vehicle in the Adoor region when the owner had stopped to purchase spare parts for the SUV during the rescue operation. The MVD officers stopped the vehicle and issued a fine of over Rs 7,000 for illegal modifications, including auxiliary lamps, as well as an expired PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate.

The owner did not argue with the officers and reportedly agreed to pay the fine. He later produced a valid PUC certificate, following which the fine was reduced to Rs 5,000. By then, videos and reports of the Mahindra Thar being fined had gone viral, and local politicians had also stepped into the matter. In earlier reports, the owner had stated that the auxiliary lights fitted to the vehicle were not connected at the time of the inspection.

Aranmula MLA Abin Varkey helped the owner by arranging for the Youth Congress to pay the fine on his behalf, as the vehicle had been penalised while the owner was trying to assist people affected by the floods. Kerala’s Chief Minister, V. D. Satheesan, also praised the owners of such vehicles who had stepped forward to help people during the difficult situation. He reportedly spoke to the owner of the modified Thar and promised to intervene in the matter.

Soon after reports of his intervention surfaced, news emerged that the MVD officer had been suspended. The officer susepended has been identified as Liju of the Adoor MVD squad. Many politicians came forward criticising the department and officer. They said such incident would actually discourage more people with modified vehicles from helping those in need.

The MVD, in its explanation, stated that the vehicle was not fined in Aranmula. According to the department, it was stopped during a routine vehicle inspection in Adoor, and the officers were not aware that it had been participating in flood rescue operations. The officials maintained that they were simply carrying out their duties in accordance with the law.

In situations like this, the government could consider issuing a temporary notification or circular permitting the use of modified vehicles for officially recognised rescue and relief operations for a limited period.

Such a measure could reduce confusion for both vehicle owners and enforcement officers while ensuring that emergency response efforts are not unnecessarily hindered.