Telangana police to release vehicles seized during lockdown

Hyderabad: Telangana police have decided to release all the vehicles seized from the people for violating the lockdown.

The decision comes after appeals were made by public representatives to ease the troubles of the masses. Cases against the violators were registered in four different categories and their vehicles will be released in a phased manner and after completing legal formalities.

It may be noted that Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi had also appealed to the Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and DGP M Mahender Reddy to release the vehicles keeping in view the holy month of Ramazan.

DGP Mahender Reddy on Friday issued orders for the release of the vehicles. He said they were facing difficulty to park the vehicles.

“During the lockdown period, several vehicles have been seized by the police. It has been decided to release the seized vehicles. A large number of vehicles have been lying at various places and cannot be transported to courts. Therefore the instructions have been issued to all the enforcement officers and Station House Officers for the release,” read a circular.

All the vehicles seized under the provisions of Motor Vehicle Act can be released after payment of the compounding fee. It should be ensured that this process is done in a very seamless manner.

In the second category, vehicles seized under Sec. 188 of IPC can be released under the provisions of Sec. 102(3) Cr.P.C after obtaining an undertaking from the owners to produce it before the court as and when asked to do so. Bond for Rs.1000 for 2-3 Wheelers and Rs. 2000 for 4-wheelers and other vehicles can be collected from the owners of the vehicles. Xerox copies of vehicle documents can be kept for record purposes. Acknowledgment has to be obtained while releasing the vehicle. And cases can be charged sheeted as Summary Trial Case (STC) before IInd Class Magistrate.

In the third category, vehicles seized under Sec. 188 of the IPC and National Disaster Management Act can be released under the provisions of Sec. 102(3) Cr.P.C after obtaining an undertaking from the vehicle owner to produce it before the court as and when it orders so. Bond for Rs.1000 for 2-3 Wheelers and Rs. 2000 for 4-wheelers and other vehicles can be collected from the owners of the vehicles. Xerox copies of vehicle documents can be kept for record purposes. Acknowledgment has to be obtained while releasing the vehicle. And cases can be charged sheeted as Summary Trial Case (STC) before IInd Class Magistrate.

Further, vehicles seized under other provisions of the IPC and Special Acts for serious offences including obstructing the public servants, assault on Police Officers, doctors or other public servants shall be dealt as per law and charge-sheeted under the provisions of Cr.P.C in the competent court of law. Vehicles seized can be released under the provisions of Sec. 102(3) Cr.P.C. after obtaining undertaking under acknowledgment.

The circular also directed all police units in the state to take appropriate action to release the vehicles as per the guidelines and report compliance.