Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jul 10: A traffic police constable attached to the Kadri traffic police station was caught red-handed by Lokayukta officials while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 5,000 from a complainant. The Lokayukta Police in Mangaluru have registered a case against two personnel from the same station in connection with the incident.

The issue began when a vehicle belonging to the complainant’s father was involved in an accident with a scooter near Nanthoor circle. The case was registered at the Kadri traffic police station, and constable Taslim (CHC 322) reportedly asked the complainant to bring the vehicle documents to the station, which he complied with.

The complainant later alleged that Taslim demanded a bribe of Rs 50,000 to release the car. After consulting with his lawyer, the complainant visited the police station again and was made to sign a document stating that the car had been released, even though it had not been returned. Later, Taslim allegedly forced the complainant to hand over his mobile phone before releasing the vehicle.

When the complainant asked for his mobile phone back, Taslim allegedly reiterated the demand for Rs 50,000 and also insisted on submitting the original driving licence. The complainant handed over the licence. Following this, Taslim reportedly directed another constable, Vinod (CHC 451), to collect Rs 30,000 in bribe to return the licence.

On July 9, when the complainant met Taslim again, he was allegedly asked to pay Rs 10,000. When the complainant said he only had Rs 500, he was told not to return without Rs 5,000.

Unwilling to pay a bribe for a lawful government procedure, the complainant approached the Mangaluru Lokayukta police station and filed a formal complaint. Based on the complaint, a trap was laid. On July 10, Taslim was caught in the act while accepting Rs 5,000 as bribe.

Lokayukta police have taken the accused officer into custody and begun an investigation. The trap operation was conducted under the guidance of SP (in-charge) Kumarachandra of Karnataka Lokayukta, Mangaluru division. It was executed by DySP Dr Gan P Kumar, inspectors Suresh Kumar P, Bharati G, and Chandrashekhar K N, along with other Lokayukta personnel.