2 traffic cops held for extorting drivers

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: In an embarrassment to the traffic police department, two constables were arrested following a video which showed them extorting money from truck drivers at Magadi Road junction near NICE Road in the city.

According to the sources the incident took place on May 25 when the two constables attached to Kamakshipalya traffic police station, Bharat and Veerupanna, were allegedly caught in the camera extorting money from the truck drivers. A video of the incident was recorded by one of the truck drivers on his mobile phone and he later shared it on social media.

The video showed the officers negotiating with the drivers for the bribe. The video also showed the constables attempting to flee the place as soon as they found that their conversation was being recorded. One of the constables was seen running from the camera, while another got on a pillion seat of a passing twowheeler.

Sources from the Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) revealed on Tuesday that the constables had switched off their body-worn cameras during their act. Special Commissioner for Traffic Dr MA Saleem said that based on the video evidence and an inquiry, the two constables were arrested under Prevention of Corruption Act.