Drivers allege extortion by Traffic Cops in Pouni area near Bhambla

Ajay Sharma

Reasi, May 17: Despite tall claims of the government of tightening noose against corrupt practices, traffic personnel in Reasi district have been accused of harassing drivers for easy money.

According to sources, traffic police personnel in the Pouni area of Reasi district have been seen and caught on camera while demanding and accepting bribe from drivers.

“The incident took place near Godar Khadoti, around one kilometre from Bambla on the road connecting Pouni and Reasi,” said sources, adding that traffic police personnel had set up checking naka near roadside food stalls and were stopping vehicles.

They alleged that traffic personnel were taking photographs of vehicles on mobile phones and demanding money from drivers.

“A white Alto car bearing registration number JK20-8616 was also intercepted by the police and on asking for the reason, the driver was repeatedly harassed and threatened while being asked to pay money,” alleged sources, adding that drivers on the route have been consistently complaining that they are being forced to shell out money by the police personnel.

Those on the spot claimed that such checking drivers were being conducted regularly, especially on Sundays, and alleged that traffic personnel were making several rounds during the day to collect money from motorists instead of issuing proper challans or enforcing legal procedures.

“The Traffic field officials are indulged into corrupt practices by harassing and demanding money from the drivers on one pretext or the other,” said sources, adding that this is done under the nose of senior officers, who are supposed to hold integrity.

Sources, quoting drivers, demanded Traffic IG and DIG Traffic to initiate an inquiry into the matter to fix the menace of corruption in the department.

Sources also appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to take immediate action against any officials found involved in corrupt practices.