VARANASI, Nov. 25 -- A total of 8,986 vehicles were challaned, 1,652 were seized, and fines amounting to Rs.30.24 lakh were imposed during a mega drive conducted on November 15 across Jaunpur, Ghazipur, and Chandauli districts of the Varanasi range. The crackdown targeted illegal vehicles, unauthorised bus and tempo stands, overloaded vehicles, those fitted with black films or pressure horns, vehicles displaying caste-related or provocative words on number plates, and vehicles without valid documents.

Deputy inspector general of police (DIG), Varanasi range, Vaibhav Krishna, said action was taken against all vehicles found violating traffic norms, especially those displaying caste-based or provocative text. The drive was conducted simult...