In Bengaluru, the misuse of ambulance sirens and lights is a relatively common occurrence, but such incidents rarely come to public attention. This is often because police are hesitant to stop ambulances, given that sirens and flashing lights are typically reserved for emergency situations, such as transporting critically ill patients during the "golden hour." However, a rare occurrence was recently uncovered by the Sadashivanagar traffic police on Monday morning.

Around 10:00 and 10:30 AM, Assistant Sub-Inspector Mayamma L, who was on duty at the Sadashivanagar traffic junction, noticed an ambulance repeatedly passing through the area with its siren and lights flashing. Sensing something unusual, she decided to investigate further. When the same ambulance, traveling from CV Raman Road, passed the junction again, her suspicions were confirmed.

Upon stopping the ambulance, it was discovered that there was no patient onboard. Instead, the doctor was seen sitting inside, engrossed in his mobile phone. The ambulance, a Maruti Suzuki Eeco, belonged to Tenet Diagnostics in Sadashivanagar. The driver, 24-year-old Zunaid Ahmed, confessed that he had been using the ambulance to pick up and drop off the doctor between his home and the diagnostics center.

As a result of this misuse, the police filed a case against the driver under Section 285 of the Bangalore City Police Act, which deals with endangering public safety by causing obstruction or danger on public roads. As part of the investigation, the vehicle was seized and taken into custody.

A senior police officer emphasized that misusing sirens and lights can be hazardous and disruptive to other road users. Both the driver and the doctor were cautioned against further misuse of these privileges.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)