PGI staff take exception to police drive to challan helmet-less riders

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 12

A high drama prevailed outside the building that houses the PGI Director’s office as employees objected to the UT Traffic Police issuing challans to those riding two-wheelers without helmet and honking on the campus.

PGI employees gathered outside the building and had a heated exchange with the police.

Sub-Inspector Eram Rizvi, incharge of the police post at the PGI, had to rush to the spot to calm people who demanded that cops should not harass patients and employees.

“Traffic cops challaned one of the bikers, who had a pipe inserted in his neck as part of the treatment. Thus, he could not wear a helmet. The police challaned him even as his family requested them not to do so as they had spent a huge amount on the treatment,” said Rishi Pal, senior vice president, Joint Action Committee.

“For 60 years since the PGI was established, there used to be no challans on the campus. There could be a challan for honking but not for blowing a horn in a situation where it is required to alert people and avert a mishap,” said Rohit, a PGI employee.

Patients and employees have been unhappy over the police drive. There is little awareness among people that they can be challaned for blowing horn. There is a lack of signboards warning about challans for honking.

SSP Traffic Shashank Anand was unavailable for comments when contacted over phone.

Meanwhile, PGI employees’ union, security officer and chowki incharge of the premier institute met the SSP over the issue. Sources said the SSP assured them that the police would be sensitive in future.