Northlines report prompts Traffic department Inquiry into alleged cash collection by cops

Ajay Sharma
Reasi, May 18: Following a report published by The Northlines highlighting alleged irregularities in the Traffic Police Department, authorities reportedly initiated an inquiry into the matter.

The issue came to light after a news report alleged that traffic police personnel were seen collecting money from drivers in the Godar-Khadoti area near Bambla in Pouni tehsil of Reasi.

According to the May 17 report, uniformed traffic police personnel were purportedly captured on camera accepting cash from drivers plying on the route. The video subsequently circulated widely on social media platforms, drawing public attention and triggering demands for action.

Following the footage’s circulation, the office of the Inspector General (IG) Traffic, Jammu and Kashmir, is learnt to have ordered a departmental inquiry into the allegations.

Sources said the inquiry was reportedly entrusted to the Traffic Dy SP, Ramban, who was directed to submit a detailed report.

At the same time, some local sources expressed concern over the manner in which the inquiry is being pursued. They alleged that officials contacted the journalist associated with the report and sought access to the same viral footage already available in the public domain.

The sources questioned why the footage was being sought separately when it had already circulated widely on social media and was reportedly sufficient to trigger the inquiry process.

They further alleged that complaints regarding the alleged collection of money from drivers on the route had persisted for a considerable period and maintained that only an impartial and transparent investigation by higher authorities could establish the facts conclusively.

The sources urged the inquiry team to examine vehicle movement records on the route, verify any official entries maintained at the spot, interact with local drivers and transporters, and scrutinize other relevant material that may assist in establishing accountability.

They also stressed that the inquiry should remain fair, objective, and free from any pressure so that public confidence in the investigation process is maintained.