Comedian Manoj Gajurel Fined for Using Mobile Phone While Driving

Kathmandu: Traffic police have fined comedian Manoj Gajurel after he was caught using his mobile phone while driving. Gajurel himself shared the incident in a Facebook post on Wednesday.

He wrote that traffic police stopped his vehicle at Ratna Park, checked his license and blue book, and then asked about his offence over a walkie-talkie. “They said I was driving recklessly. When I asked what kind of recklessness, they replied that I was using my mobile phone while driving,” Gajurel recounted. He added that the police informed him drivers can be booked anytime and anywhere since surveillance is done through cameras and plainclothes officers.

After he showed the Nagarik app, police told him to leave and check the app later. That evening, he received a Rs. 500 fine notice on the app, with the reason stated as reckless driving. Gajurel said he gladly paid the fine.

“Manju (my wife) was also happy because she was annoyed with my habit of talking on the phone while driving. The saying ‘Latoka Bhoot Baton Se Nahi Manata’ is true! This fine might finally rid me of the bad habit of ‘drive and mobile,’” he joked. He also praised the use of technology in traffic enforcement, noting that fines can now be paid easily through the app without visiting banks or traffic offices. He admitted he had often escaped punishment in the past due to his public profile, which could have led to accidents. He described it as an unexpected but positive experience.

Meanwhile, DSP Kesar Neupane of the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office clarified that the rule against using mobile phones while driving is not new. “This is not a new rule,” he said. “But surveillance has been increased through uniformed and plainclothes officers, as well as CCTV cameras. If someone is seen using a mobile phone while driving, traffic police ahead are alerted via walkie-talkie to stop them.”

 

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