Palakkad , 25 August (H.S.):The Kerala Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) has initiated an inquiry after students of Atoms College of Media and Technology allegedly used an ambulance during Onam celebrations held at the Government Moyans Lower Primary School ground in Palakkad.

The incident came to the attention of enforcement officials after a video recorded during the festivities was widely shared on social media. The footage purportedly shows students driving the ambulance around the school ground while spraying coloured powder. Several other students can be seen dancing to music near the moving vehicle.

The video triggered criticism on social media, with many questioning the use of an emergency vehicle for entertainment. Concerns were also raised about road safety and whether the ambulance had been diverted from its intended purpose.

Following the circulation of the footage, the MVD's enforcement wing launched a preliminary investigation to identify the ambulance, its owner and the person who permitted the students to use it.

RTO (Enforcement) Raghu said the department had taken note of the alleged violation and directed officials to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. He said strict action would be initiated based on the findings of the inquiry.

According to the officer, the violation was detected through social media monitoring, following which the enforcement team was instructed to intervene. Officials are expected to summon the ambulance driver for questioning and seek an explanation over the decision to hand over the vehicle to the students.

The MVD is also examining whether the ambulance was authorised to operate as an emergency vehicle and whether any conditions attached to its registration or permit were violated.

The driver could face departmental action and may also be directed to undergo compulsory driving-awareness classes. Officials said the precise nature of the penalty would be determined after verifying the vehicle's documents and recording statements from those involved in the celebration.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman