BJP MP Satyapal Singh stopped for travelling in even-numbered car

NEW DELHI: BJP lawmaker Satyapal Singh was stopped while travelling in his car, allegedly in violation of the Odd-Even scheme rolled out in the national capital today, even as Delhi Police did not confirm whether Singh's driver was prosecuted.

The Baghpat MP's white SUV, with six (even number) as the last digit of its registration number, was stopped by police officials deployed near India Gate in the afternoon.

Singh was caught on cameras sitting on the back seat of the vehicle as a traffic official approached him and handed him a leaflet.

Police officials said that the leaflet handed to the MP cannot be taken for sure as a challan. It could be a page meant for educating motorists about the first of its kind initiative expected to bring down pollution level in the city significantly.

Singh, a former Mumbai Police Commissioner, could not be reached despite several attempts. Later, an associate who picked up Singh's mobile phone claimed that the MP had left Delhi a few hours ago.

Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) also could not be reached despite repeated phone calls and a text message.

The Odd-Even scheme has a list of 25 exemptions, which includes cars of President of India, Vice President, Prime Minister, Governors of states, Chief Justice of India, Lok Sabha Speaker, Union Ministers, Leaders of Opposition of both the houses, Chief Ministers of states and Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories.

Members of Parliament who do not come under any of the aforementioned categories are not exempted.

As the much-debated odd-even scheme of vehicular restrictions came into effect in the national capital today, Delhi Police Commissioner B S Bassi again appealed to people to cooperate with in the scheme.