Sending a strong message to the bike racers, the city police on Tuesday (June 16, 2026) destroyed as many as 142 modified motorcycle silencers, which were seized during special enforcement drives conducted across the city over the past few months.

Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, Commissioner of Police Shankabratha Bagchi said that the action was taken following complaints from citizens, particularly women, senior citizens and people suffering from heart-related ailments, who expressed concern over excessive noise and air pollution caused by motorcycles fitted with unauthorised exhaust systems. He said many youngsters have been removing company-fitted silencers from high-end bikes and replacing them with exhausts that produce loud noise and emit excessive smoke, causing inconvenience to the public.

The police also highlighted the effects of unauthorised use of high-beam lights, which dazzle oncoming motorists and increase the risk of accidents during nighttime. Additionally, mobile phone holders attached to two-wheelers divert a rider’s attention from the road, leading to accidents.

The CP said that the traffic police launched a special drive on January 1, 2026, to curb all traffic violations. During the campaign, officials seized 142 modified silencers and subsequently destroyed them. As many as 89 high-beam lights from cars and auto-rickshaws and 270 mobile phone holders attached to two-wheelers, were also removed.

“We have also intensified action against illegal bike racing on the Beach Road and other stretches in the city. As part of the crackdown, 73 motorcycles involved in racing and reckless riding were seized. Cases were registered against the riders, and recommendations were sent to the Deputy Transport Commissioner (DTC), Visakhapatnam, seeking suspension of their driving licences,” said Mr. Bagchi.

He added that the enforcement drive would continue to ensure safer roads and a peaceful environment for residents, while warning motorists against unauthorised vehicle modifications and dangerous driving practices.

Mr. Bagchi also distributed 450 summer kits consisting of ORS, caps, sunglasses, water bottles, etc., to the traffic police personnel on duty. The kits were provided following the sanction of ₹6.75 lakh in funds from the Director General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta.