A military truck was intercepted by Kolkata Police on Tuesday for alleged dangerous driving near the Writers’ Buildings, prompting a case under the Motor Vehicles Act. The Army, however, denied any violation, saying no rules were broken.
According to police, the truck, carrying two Army personnel, was moving at high speed around 11 am when it attempted a sudden right turn from the left flank at BBD Bag North Road, narrowly avoiding a collision with the convoy vehicle of Police Commissioner Manoj Verma. CCTV footage released by Kolkata Police showed the truck swerving across lanes at the busy intersection.
Traffic personnel stopped the vehicle, which was later escorted to Hare Street police station. “This was a clear case of traffic violation and rash driving. The matter should not be seen as Army versus Police. Our priority is road safety,” said Deputy Commissioner (Traffic) YS Jagannathrao.
Army officials from Fort William visited the police station and dismissed the charges, maintaining that the truck was on a routine movement to the Passport Office on Brabourne Road and had not breached any rules.
The incident came less than 24 hours after Army personnel dismantled a Trinamool Congress dharna stage near Mayo Road, drawing sharp criticism from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who accused the BJP of “misusing the Army” against her party.
