Spotted, then spotless: Mumbai Police say no action against Rohit Shetty in beacon misuse case

An SUV in Rohit Shetty’s convoy passes through an area in the suburbs last week. Pic/Nimesh Dave

Mumbai Police have said no action can be taken against filmmaker Rohit Shetty over the alleged use of a ‘police' sticker and beacon lights on a private vehicle, as no such violations were found during inspection and photographs alone are insufficient for enforcement, according to the RTI activist Anil Galgali.

Galgali, who filed a complaint with the commissioner of police and the joint commissioner of traffic, citing mid-day's report, had sought strict action against Shetty for allegedly using symbols reserved for authorised government vehicles.

Galgali said, according to the police response, Shetty's vehicles were inspected, but no police stickers, nameplates or dome lights were found at the time. Officials also cited court guidelines stating that vehicles cannot be fined solely on the basis of photographic evidence.

Activist questions police stand

Galgali questioned the response, arguing that the alleged misuse was removed only after it came to light.

"Strict action must be taken against individuals misusing police, government or official beacon lights and boards. After being exposed, the unauthorised board was immediately removed. Such misuse should not be tolerated, and strict vigilance is necessary," he said.

He added that public participation is key to enforcement. "Citizens should actively report misuse of police or government boards, beacon lights and traffic violations through platforms like X. Together, we can ensure accountability and safer roads," Galgali said.

Case study: Similar offence booked

A recent case in Mumbai saw police register an FIR for misuse of an MLA identification sticker on a private vehicle.
>> Date: January 27, 2026
>> Police station: Samta Nagar
>> Sections invoked: Section 205, BNS

According to police sources, a private individual was booked after affixing an MLA sticker and state emblem on a private vehicle in Kandivli East. The vehicle falsely displayed identification reserved for elected representatives, potentially misleading the public.

No response from police

This newspaper contacted Joint Commissioner of Traffic Anil Kumbhare to confirm whether any action has been taken against Shetty, but no response was received till press time.

What the law says

Legal experts said such actions could attract criminal as well as traffic violations, depending on intent.

Abha Singh, Advocate
‘Affixing a ‘police' sticker on a private vehicle could invite prosecution under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
Such conduct can attract Section 204, which deals with personating a public servant and carries a punishment of six months to three years' imprisonment along with a fine. It may also invite Section 205, which provides for punishment up to three months' imprisonment or a fine. The act also violates the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988'

Arvind Tiwari, Advocate
‘Under Section 177, unauthorised use of restricted markings attracts monetary penalties. However, the applicability of criminal provisions depends on intent to mislead or derive unlawful benefit. As per electronic evidence norms, photographic evidence is credible. Offences can be registered based on images submitted through citizen portals such as the MTP app, WhatsApp or official email channels'