Kerala Police fined an auto driver Rs 2.5 lakh for blocking an ambulance on its way from Ponnani to Thrissur Medical College. The incident was captured on the ambulance’s dash cam, which showed the vehicle following a silver Maruti Suzuki Ciaz for more than two minutes. Despite the siren and repeated honking of the ambulance, the car driver did not move to make way.

The Kerala police identified the car using the registration number from the dash cam footage. Although there are reports that the driver’s license has been cancelled, BT has not been able to independently confirm this.

The owner of the vehicle was charged with failing to stop for an ambulance, obstructing the duties of an authority under the Motor Vehicles Act and not holding a Pollution Control Certificate (PUCC). According to the Kerala Motor Vehicles Department, the total fine for these offenses is Rs. 6,250, which is less than the rumored amount. There has been no official confirmation of the driver’s license being revoked. Under Section 194E of the Motor Vehicles Act, failure to obey an ambulance can lead to up to six months in jail, a fine of Rs. 10,000 or both.

The video of the incident went viral on social media, with many people condemning the driver’s actions.

A user X called the incident inhuman, saying, “Such an inhuman and selfish act must be a non-bailable offence. He must rot in prison.”

Another user X said: “Also a few things had to be considered.. Was the ambulance busy or is it just the driver’s ego?”

Another user X praised the Kerala police for canceling the driving license. “The police action to fine and disqualify the driver for blocking the ambulance is commendable. It is part of their duty. India needs more active traffic policing,” the user wrote.