Kozhikode (Kerala) | Kerala Transport Minister C P John on Monday said that the action by the MVD against an off-road vehicle in Pathanamthitta was an example of "abuse of power." John said that, some state ministers had called for the help of off-road vehicles and drivers for relief and rescue work in flood-hit areas of Pathanamthitta following the heavy rains.

In connection with that some people had come forward with their modified off-road vehicles, he said.

"So, when they said that they had come for rescue and relief efforts, they should have been let off on that one occasion as they had not caused any accident or any other traffic problem," the minister told reporters in connection with the action taken by the Motor Vehicle Department officials against an off-road vehicle last week.

"That was an example of abuse of power. Power should be used correctly. It is not to be used to do anything. So an enquiry is being carried out. The suspension is not a punishment, it is part of the enquiry," John added.

He said that the Transport Commissioner was looking into the matter and will quickly take a decision.

His remarks come in the wake of the MVD suspending, last week, one of its enforcement officers for imposing a fine on an off-road vehicle that had been used in flood relief operations.

According to officials, the officer intercepted the vehicle at Adoor while returning from flood relief work and imposed a fine for not having valid pollution under control (PUC) certificate and for fitting additional lights.