The Hindu : Front Page : Woman accuses traffic Inspector of misbehaviour

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Dec 23, 2005

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Front Page

Woman accuses traffic Inspector of misbehaviour

Staff Reporter

Police official alleges he is slapped; both lodge complaints against each other

HYDERABAD : An argument between a couple and a traffic police Inspector over helmet led to booking of criminal cases against both parties at Ramgopalpet on Thursday.

The scooterists - Marie, a French national, and Prashanth -- working as part-time teachers of National Academy for Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR) alleged that they were manhandled and abused by Inspector Balakrishna, who flagged them down near Karbala Maidan. The police officer too lodged a complaint alleging that the woman slapped him when he tried to detain the vehicle on non-production of required documents.

Mr. Prashanth, who was driving the vehicle `without helmet' was issued a challan for Rs 50. Arguments ensued as the Inspector was questioned on the reasons for issuing a challan. The motorcyclist, the inspector maintained, had only produced a learner's licence and could not show the vehicle documents. "He was told that his vehicle would be detained if he fails to pay the penalty, " Mr. Balakrishna said.

As the couple went on arguing, he radioed for a mobile crane to take away the scooter.

"The Inspector abused when we questioned him on what grounds he threatened to seize the vehicle," Ms. Marie told reporters.

She maintained that the Inspector misbehaved by pushing her down when she tried to prevent him from detaining the vehicle.

Inspector's charge

Meanwhile, the Inspector alleged that Ms. Marie allegedly caught his collar and slapped on his face. "In self-defence, I pushed her down," he added.

Later, the couple and the Inspector filed their complaints with the Ramgopalpet police.

Inquiry ordered

Reacting to the controversy, Traffic Additional Commissioner A.K. Khan ordered a departmental inquiry into the incident.

Despite repeated assurances from higher-ups that policemen were instructed to be polite while enforcing rules, allegations of high-handed behaviour continue against them.

If Mr. Prashanth proved that he wore a helmet and possessed all valid documents, disciplinary action would be initiated against the Inspector," Mr. Khan said.

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