To mock the compulsory helmet law, a Pune group named 'Helmet Sakti Virodhi Kruti Samiti', conducted an elaborate funeral ceremony for a helmet at a crematorium. The event led by the Shiv Sena leader Mahadev Babai, slammed the police administration for making the helmet rule compulsory for all.

Pune group takes out 'funeral' to oppose helmets via /r/nottheonion https://t.co/HjpQlpN2RX pic.twitter.com/UWALilKWhK — Lost At Home Podcast (@TheLostAtHome) January 9, 2019

In the face of 184 deaths in two-wheeler mishaps last year, the city police have started taking strict action against those riding without helmets.

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The wearing of helmets is mandatory under the rules of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and authorities keep reiterating the importance of the helmet rule.

But the Anti-Helmet group seems to have an entirely different argument. Anil Shirole an MP from Pune told HT that while they are not opposed to rules of public safety, the helmet rules according to him is a little over the top.

ALSO READ: Pune Residents Form 'Anti-Helmet' Group After Police Commissioner Makes Safety Gear Mandatory

The HT report quoted him as saying, "Public safety should always be the top priority but at the same time the police should consider local public sentiments and needs. People always ride slowly on local roads so there are very less chances of accidents. Hence, there is no need of helmet compulsion on these roads,"

And so the Anti-Helmet Compulsion Action Committee conducted the symbolic last journey of a helmet. They performed the tenth-day ritual at Vaikunth crematorium.

According to a DNA report, the group is opposed to the protective gear on the pretext that it causes spine problems and hair loss.

"There are a lot of riders who have faced back or neck pain after using the helmet which clearly shows that the use of helmets is not at all comfortable" Balasaheb Runwal, founder of the brigade, told DNA.

NCP spokesperson Ankush Kakade said they have been demanding the police to raise awareness among riders instead of penalising them for not wearing a helmet.

But the tenth-day ceremony for a helmet was heavily criticized by citizens who called it a political stunt before elections. “It is an election stunt. Instead of protesting against the election mandate, these people should construct toilets here," the TOI quoted a witness as saying.