Pramesh S Jain
Taking cognisance of a serious concern over alleged illegal vehicle checking by Home Guards and Armed Reserve Police personnel in the state.
Karnataka State Police Complaints Authority member Mohan Kumar Danappa has written to the Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG & IGP), urging immediate action to curb such practices.
In his letter,Danappa highlighted that under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988,and Karnataka Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989,only officers of the rank of Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) and above are authorized to conduct vehicle inspections and impose penalties.
Police constables and head constables are permitted to issue traffic challans based on FTVR (Form of Traffic Violation Report) and can serve notices under Section 133 of the Motor Vehicles Act.
However, it has been alleged that Home Guards personnel and certain Armed Police staff,who do not possess such authority, are stopping vehicles in the absence of senior officers.
Reports indicate that they are allegedly harassing motorists,seizing vehicle keys,threatening to file cases, and engaging in abusive behavior in public places.
The letter further points out that such incidents are being reported not only in urban areas but also at check posts,rural regions, and along state and national highways,where unauthorized checks and alleged illegal collection of money from the public are taking place.
Some of these incidents have reportedly surfaced on social media.
Members of the public have expressed anger over the misuse of authority, with several complaints being lodged via phone and in person at the authority’s office.
Mr.Danappa has urged the DGP to issue strict orders prohibiting Home Guards and Armed Police personnel from stopping and checking vehicles without proper authorization.
He also recommended that clear instructions be given to personnel during daily roll calls to prevent recurrence of such misconduct.
