Overview
- Shetty’s team said the stickers and flashing lights were temporary security identifiers placed after a firing outside his home and confirmed they have now been removed, with two police personnel still assigned to him.
- Traffic and transport officials said the two SUVs shown with the word “POLICE” and beacon-style lights are registered to Shetty and noted that Section 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act prohibits such markings on private vehicles.
- RTI activist Anil Galgali called the alleged misuse a serious violation and urged police to register an FIR and open a high-level inquiry, while authorities have not announced any specific enforcement action.
- The row traces back to a February 1 shooting outside Shetty’s Juhu residence, which the Mumbai Crime Branch linked to the Bishnoi network, leading to multiple arrests and charges under the MCOCA organized crime law.
- The episode raises public-safety concerns because police-style identifiers can mislead drivers and pedestrians, a gap that could prompt tighter checks and clearer guidance from traffic police and transport offices.