Authors
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
Claim: Telangana police is offering a discount on pending traffic challans from December 26 to January 10, 2025.
Fact: The viral claim is False. That particular scheme was launched in 2023 and not ahead of 2025.
A post is circulating on social media claiming that, as 2024 draws to an end, the Telangana police are offering a discount on pending traffic challans from December 26 to January 10, 2025. This claim suggests that motorists can pay a reduced amount and clear their pending traffic penalty.
Posting that claim, many Facebook users wrote, “Big Discount on Pending Traffic Challans… Here’s the Details The Telangana police have announced a special discount to help citizens clear their pending traffic challans. Citizens are encouraged to make use of this opportunity: • Two-Wheelers: 80% discount on pending fines. For instance, if the fine is ₹700, you only need to pay ₹140. • Cars (Private): 60% discount. If the fine is *2000, you will pay ₹800. This offer is valid from December 26 to January 10. Citizens can clear their challans online through the official website: echallan. tspolice.gov.in.”
Fact Check/ Verification
On a keyword search on social media, we found that on December 24, 2024, the Hyderabad Traffic Police took to their official X handle to clarify that the claim was fake. They advised netizens not to believe such messages and urged them to avoid spreading rumours.
On further keyword searches, we found that in 2023, the Telangana government introduced a scheme enabling citizens to pay off pending challans at a greatly reduced rate. Through this initiative, the state offered discounts ranging from 60% to 90% on the original traffic challan amount.
Conclusion
Thus it is clear that Telangana police is not offering discount ahead of new years to pay off pending challans at reduced rates and that the viral claim is False.
Result: False
Sources
X post by Hyderabad Traffic Police, Dated December 24, 2024
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Authors
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
