Action to be taken in case of mismatch in breathalyser data and e-challans

Despite the several initiatives by the senior officials and introduction of technologies to curb bribing for traffic-related offences, the personnel working on the ground misuse the loopholes and continue the practice of deceiving the system in place.

While bribing has come down after the introduction of the cashless fine system, the offence of drunk driving has become the single window through which traffic policemen can collect bribe, as the fine for the same is not fixed like other offences and the penalty is decided by the magistrates.

Since a few drunk driving offenders have been slapped a fine of Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000, it has become the ‘bargaining’ point for traffic police personnel to fleece those who get caught.

Though all enforcement officers have been provided with body-worn cameras, a few victims DT Next had earlier spoken to said that the vehicles are stopped beyond the vicinity of the cameras to strike a deal and many complained that they had to part with up to Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 for having been caught for drunk driving. Though the breathalysers click photos of all men being tested for being drink and record the reading it shows for each person, it is not linked either to the e-challan machines or the centralised server. This results in enforcing officers misusing it to demand bribe from offenders.

After this loophole was highlighted, addl cop Arun had that ordered all breathalysers given to enforcing officers must be checked by the respective Deputy Commissioners. “The number recorded by the breathalysers and the number of challans issued should tally. If they don’t, then the corresponding enforcement officers are answerable for the mismatch and action will be initiated if they have received bribes,” the addl cop said. The officer added that the exercise is being done on a daily basis and added that he did not come across any major hiccups.

Meanwhile, a Traffic SI, on the condition of anonymity, said that it is impossible to book all drunk men. “We get calls from various levels requesting to let off some people caught for drunk driving. Some could be known to the local law and order inspector, while many are acquaintances of senior officers or politicians. If we do not let go of those with local influence, we will land in trouble,” said the sub-inspector.