Bengaluru Traffic Police Trio Suspended for Bribery with Cameras Off
In a significant crackdown on corruption, three personnel from the High Grounds traffic police station in Bengaluru have been suspended for allegedly stopping motorists without reason and collecting money while keeping their body cameras switched off. The action was taken by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic, West) Anoop A Shetty following a departmental probe into multiple accusations.
Caught Red-Handed at Basaveshwara Circle
Shetty confirmed to TOI that the trio was caught red-handed at Basaveshwara Circle while stopping vehicles with their body-worn cameras switched off and allegedly collecting money from motorists. The suspended personnel include Assistant Sub-Inspector Suresh G and constables Prashanth K and Sadik SB. According to a senior officer, the three would frequently turn off their cameras and stop vehicles despite no visible traffic violations.
Pattern of Alleged Bribery
The officers reportedly checked vehicle documents and pending fines, using this as a pretext to allegedly collect bribes from motorists. Many motorists had orally complained against the trio to the High Grounds traffic police station, highlighting a pattern of misconduct that prompted the investigation.
Clear Instructions Violated
There are clear instructions from the DG& IGP and the police commissioner to traffic police personnel to stop motorists only in cases of visible violations, except during special drink-and-drive drives. Cops have been strictly instructed to keep body-worn cameras switched on while stopping vehicles and booking cases to ensure transparency and accountability.
This incident underscores the importance of body cameras in policing, as they serve as a deterrent to corruption and help maintain public trust. The suspension sends a strong message that such violations will not be tolerated, reinforcing the commitment to ethical law enforcement in Bengaluru.
