To check corruption, traffic cops barred from carrying over Rs 500

Lalit Mohan

Tribune News Service

Dharamsala, February 27

In an order issued here traffic policemen have been barred from carrying not more than Rs 500 in their while going to duty on nakas or on traffic duty. In case they have more cash in pocket they would have to record it in their daily duty register before going for duty.

SP Bilaspur Divakar Sharma had earlier implemented a similar order while he was SP Una. In Una he had put many traffic policemen under suspension who were alleged taking money from commuters. In Una the SP had barred the traffic cops from carrying cash in excess of Rs 200 while on duty.

While talking to The Tribune, the SP said that there were complaints from general public regarding corruption by traffic police. Hence, the directives have been issued to check corruption. In case traffic cops have more than Rs 500 in their pocket or they need more cash they would have to reveal it in their reporting office before going to duty.

The SP said that in case more cash was found in the pockets of traffic cops while on duty action leading to suspension would be taken against them. “It is not that I do not trust my police force. It is a step towards creating confidence among general public with regard to police. Otherwise also, why policemen should carry more cash in his pocket while on duty?” he asked.

The SP claimed that similar campaign had yielded positive results in Una district where some traffic cops had been suspended when excess cash was recovered from their pockets.

Defaulters can face suspension

Bilaspur SP Divakar Sharma said in case more cash was found in the pockets of traffic cops while on duty, action leading to suspension would be taken against them.