Bhatkal: Police action against underage riding continues in Bhatkal taluk, with authorities registering yet another case against a vehicle owner for allowing a minor to ride a two-wheeler. The latest case, registered under the Murdeshwar Police Station limits, is the fifth in which a vehicle owner has been fined for permitting a minor to drive.

According to Murdeshwar Police, the latest incident came to light on Monday when a vehicle owner was penalised ₹25,000 for allowing a minor boy to ride his motorcycle.

Police identified the owner as Subraya Badakayya Naik, a resident of Neeragadde in Bailur village. He had allegedly allowed a minor to ride his two-wheeler, an offence under the Motor Vehicles Act.

Murdeshwar Police Sub-Inspector Hanumanth Biradar filed a chargesheet against the owner before the Senior Civil Judge's Court in Bhatkal under Section 5 read with Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, holding him responsible for permitting a minor to operate the vehicle.

After hearing the case, the court found the owner guilty and imposed a fine of ₹25,000.

Police said the action was part of an ongoing crackdown on underage riding in the Murdeshwar Police Station limits. They urged parents and vehicle owners not to hand over vehicles to minors, warning that strict legal action under the Motor Vehicles Act would continue against violators.