Traffic cops under Vigilance lens at light points

Amit Sharma

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 30

After receiving information regarding alleged corruption by the traffic staff at light points and nakas, the UT Vigilance Department has started sending Vigilance sleuths to these points to keep an eye on policemen.

It is for the first time that the Vigilance has taken such a step to curb corruption.

A source said, “It’s been over a week since Vigilance sleuths have started visiting various traffic light points.”

Eish Singhal, SP (Vigilance/Traffic), said they had information about traffic policemen indulging in corruption following which it had been decided that Vigilance sleuths would regularly visit the traffic light points and nakas.

“We are sending our staff to traffic light points from where complaints are received.” the SP said. The SP said action would be taken against anybody caught on the wrong foot by the Vigilance Department.

The source said the Vigilance sleuths randomly visited the light points and nakas to watch the activities of the policemen. “They don’t interfere in the work; however, if they suspect something wrong, they inform senior officers,” the source said.

If required, the sleuths can also click photographs or film some incident if they find something suspicious at the traffic light points. The Vigilance Department feels the move would act as a deterrent for the traffic staff from indulging in corruption. The source said the department had identified a few light points that were under a close watch.

Cops eye busy light points to ‘make quick buck’

Vigilance sources said their investigation had revealed that some traffic policemen got themselves specially deputed at busy light points to make a “quick buck”.