Harka faces traffic probe after viral riding video sparks police action

KATHMANDU: Traffic police in Koshi Province have confirmed legal action against Shram Sanskriti Party chair Harka Sampang after a viral video showed him allegedly violating multiple traffic rules while riding a motorcycle.

Superintendent of Police Deepak Giri, Chief of the Highway Security and Traffic Management Office, said the footage clearly shows Sampang riding without a helmet, using a mobile phone while riding, and operating the motorcycle with one hand.

“From the video, the violation is clearly visible. The law applies equally to everyone—no one is above it,” SP Giri said, adding that action will be taken under traffic regulations.

Police said the case will be processed as a fine-based violation, but his driving license and vehicle registration (blue book) are required to finalize the penalty, and efforts are underway to obtain them.

The video, later posted on Sampang’s own social media, shows him riding and recording at the same time.

It also shows him after a minor accident, claiming he sustained light injuries while traveling from Udayapur.

Sampang confirmed the accident and said it was minor. The clip quickly went viral, sparking widespread debate on road safety compliance.

In response to criticism, he wrote on social media, “I fell and got hurt myself. I didn’t harm the country,” and urged people not to overreact.

Speaking to local media in Dharan, Sampang further questioned enforcement authority, saying, “I make the rules myself,” and defended riding with one hand, saying it is manageable.

Traffic police, however, reiterated that no individual is above the law and confirmed that action will proceed once documentation is verified.