Bengaluru: Rider, stopped 7 times in 6 months, questions traffic cops for not wearing body-worn cams

BENGALURU: City traffic police are supposed to wear body-worn cameras while on duty, especially when they are penalising traffic violators. But on the ground, things are not so perfect, claims a TOI reader, who was reportedly stopped more than seven times in the last six months by traffic police ‘just to check documents’.
Thomas Christy, a self-employed man from HBR Layout, said he saw no such body-worn cameras on the constable who stopped him in Banaswadi last Friday.

He said a constable attached to Banaswadi traffic police station flagged down his two-wheeler on Horamavu road at 3.15pm.

Immediately after stopping the vehicle, the constable allegedly snatched the ignition keys and directed Christy to produce documents. However, Christy, refused to show the papers, saying he has not violated any traffic rules.
“Senior police officials have clearly said if there is no visible violation, no motorist should be stopped. I was aware that I had not violated any rules. Then, the constable asked me to pay a fine of Rs 1,500 for different violations, including the pillion-rider not wearing a helmet,” Christy told TOI. A 12-year-old boy was riding pillion with a helmet on, Christy claimed.
By then, Christy saw an assistant sub inspector (ASI) sitting on his bike, watching silently. “He was not wearing a body-wear camera. I asked the ASI where the camera was and he replied that it was in the bike,” he said.
Christy called Banaswadi traffic police inspector Sheela and complained to her. Soon, Sheela arrived at the spot and promised action against the errant staff. “In last six months, cops have stopped my two-wheeler at least seven times on different dates and at different places. Each time, I argue with them saying why I should be stopped when I have not violated any traffic rule,” Christy said, adding: “I shall fight with the wrongdoers in the police department. If needed, I will go to court.”
Deputy commissioner of police (DCP) traffic (east )M Shantaraju said he will carry out an inquiry into the case. “If found guilty, we shall surely act against our staff,” he said.