Pramesh S Jain
Three traffic police personnel attached to the High Grounds Traffic Police Station have been suspended for allegedly collecting bribes from motorists after deliberately switching off their body-worn cameras during duty.
The action was taken on March 17th by Anoop Shetty,Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic West), following an internal inquiry into multiple complaints from the public.
The suspended personnel have been identified as Assistant Sub-Inspector Suresh G,and police constables Prashanth K and Sadik S.B.
Allegations and Violations
According to officials,As on 17th March when DCP Traffic West was on his way from Traffic Headquarters as TMC while passing from chalukya circle he noticed the trio was deployed near the busy Chalukya Circle,where they allegedly,Stopped vehicles without any visible traffic violation.
Intentionally switched off their body-worn cameras and the PDA was being operated by staff as per rules a PDA should be used or operated by only ASI and above officers no staff should use PDA during enforcement and it is alleged the duo was Illegally collecting money from motorists.
Complaints from commuters had indicated harassment and unlawful collection of cash under the pretext of traffic enforcement.
Inquiry Findings
Following the complaints,the department initiated an internal probe, which confirmed misconduct and dereliction of duty by the personnel.Based on the findings,all three were suspended as part of disciplinary action.
Senior officers stated that body-worn cameras were introduced to ensure transparency and accountability in traffic enforcement.The suspension serves as a strong warning to personnel against misuse of authority.
Constable Sadiq,who continued the old routine:
Among those suspended, Constable Sadiq is said to have been involved in a similar case before.
He was previously suspended while on duty at the Vijayanagar Traffic Police Station.It is learnt that even after being transferred to the High Grounds Police Station,he had not given up his old ways and had fallen prey to the desire for bribes.
A stern message from the police department:
The Bengaluru Traffic Police Department has provided body-worn cameras for transparency.But the suspension is a warning to corrupt staff who turn them off and start collecting money.The public can complain if any staff is offering bribes or harassing them,”said senior officials.
