Pramesh S Jain
Two separate incidents of Bengaluru traffic police personnel allegedly accepting bribes were caught on camera on Saturday,raising fresh concerns about corruption during traffic enforcement.
In the first incident,a Traffic Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) attached to the Peenya Traffic Police Station was allegedly seen accepting Rs.200 from a young motorist at 8th Mile.
According to the allegation,the ASI had stopped the rider during a vehicle check and reportedly told him he would let him go if he paid Rs.200.
Local residents recorded the exchange on their mobile phones.In the video,the motorist is heard saying,I paid Rs.200 and they let me go.”The video has since surfaced on social media,prompting public criticism.
In a separate incident,a Traffic Head Constable, identified as Somashekhar of the Pulakeshinagar Traffic Police Station,has been suspended after allegedly accepting Rs.5,000 bribe from a truck driver.
According to the suspension order issued by Bengaluru East Traffic DCP,Sahil Bagla,Somashekhar allegedly demanded money from truck driver Syed Afroj,who was transporting an iron-loaded lorry during a vehicle inspection.
The head constable is accused of threatening the driver that a formal case would lead to court proceedings and a fine unless he paid the bribe.
The truck driver reportedly recorded the conversation on his mobile phone and submitted the video to senior police officials.
Following a preliminary inquiry,the head constable was suspended on charges of misconduct and accepting illegal gratification.
The two incidents,both reportedly captured on video on the same day,have intensified scrutiny over alleged corruption within the city’s traffic police.Authorities are expected to examine the evidence and take further action based on the findings.
