With protectors like these, who needs persecutors. In a shocking expose that has come at a time when police across the country are claiming to be doing their best to thwart a repeat of Mumbai's terror attacks, traffic cops here have been caught taking money to pass on a secret code to drivers either written on their palm or on a piece of paper that would ensure them safe passage through all subsequent nakas. No questions asked.
The modus operandi is as ingenious as it is simple. Pay the corrupt traffic cop the money that he demands negotiable at all times, just like his honesty and he will inscribe something on your palm, either letters or numbers. Flash this to designated cops in the next naka or check post and he will usher you in without creating trouble. It really doesn't matter if the vehicle is loaded with RDX and you are driving straight into the heart of India's capital from the borders of Punjab.
The worms tumbled out of the police woodwork after a man clicked on his mobile phone a policeman taking money to inscribe the secret code on his palm, something that a string of cops on a particular stretch and on a particular day would recognize. This code apparently changes daily.
Though the claims and mobile clipping of Ludhiana resident Sukhwinder Singh, who made the video of traffic cop Davinder Singh at Chandigarh's ISBT-43, is yet to be verified and examined, an embarrassed police department promptly suspended the erring officer and marked a departmental inquiry into the incident.
Ironically, the incident came even as a peeved Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday sought a comprehensive affidavit regarding details of officers facing criminal, corruption or serious departmental charges. The affidavit seeks to know about officers facing charges but serving on sensitive posts like that of the DGP, ADGP, IG, SSP and SHO.
This is not the first time, though, that cops, especially those working in the traffic wing and appointed on special nakas, have been caught accepting money to let suspicious vehicles pass without a search. According to information , the department is highly sought by policemen and some of the "blue-eyed boys" have remained here with permanent postings.
Jerked into reacting, DSP (traffic) JS Cheema said Davinder Singh's suspension will be followed by a rule that will allow a cop at a traffic point to serve there for only a month. ``The cop,'' Cheema said, "will be transferred to another zone and area of the city after that.'' SP (traffic) Hardeep Singh Doon said the matter is "serious and we want a thorough investigation of the method and reach of the crime."
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