Gurugram Traffic Cops, Home Guards To Be Redeployed Every 60 Days Amid Row Of ‘Diwali Gifts’ | Today’s news
Gurugram traffic police personnel will face random transfers every 60 days through an automated computerized system as part of a crackdown on alleged corruption and misconduct in the service, days after a home guard was arrested for allegedly seeking “Diwali gifts” from a motorist.
Police Commissioner Sibash Kabiraj has issued a series of instructions to traffic police and home guards to strengthen accountability and minimize irregularities in enforcement of traffic regulations. The measures include random movements, CCTV surveillance and mandatory monitoring of traffic challans through body cameras, news agency PTI reported.
Officials said the commissioner also made Zonal Officers (ZOs) and Traffic Inspectors (TIs) responsible for the conduct of personnel deployed under their supervision, the report said.
Random transfers every 60 days
According to police officials, random transfers of Gurugram’s traffic personnel will be done every 60 days using an automated computerized system.
The aim of this step is to strengthen supervision and reduce the possibility of irregularities during the transport service.
Zonal officers and traffic inspectors will also be held responsible if any traffic police officer, home guard or special constable is caught in corrupt practices while discharging traffic-related duties, officials said.
CCTV checks, body cameras for traffic police surveillance
The Commissioner directed all Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) and Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) to hold meetings with subordinate officers and staff up to the zonal level.
They have been instructed to make it clear that misconduct or corrupt practices in the service will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
ACP police officers posted at the police control station have also been asked to regularly check and monitor the CCTV cameras to monitor the behavior of the police personnel.
Besides, traffic challan proceedings for traffic violations must be conducted under the surveillance of body cameras, the police said.
Home guard arrested for demanding ‘Diwali gifts’.
The new instructions follow the November 7 incident where a vlogger traveling with his family was stopped by home guards near the Cyber Hub in Gurugram.
According to a viral video, the home guard repeatedly wished the motorist “Happy Diwali” before allegedly indicating that she expected money or gifts.
The accused is said to have said that it was a “dry Diwali”. When the vlogger told him he didn’t have a wallet, the security guard reportedly asked if any of the men sitting in the car had wallets.
A video of the interaction subsequently surfaced on the Internet.
An FIR was registered against the home guard at DLF Phase-3 police station and he was arrested.
Following the incident, the police commissioner issued fresh instructions to strengthen monitoring and accountability among traffic personnel, PTI reported.
