2 traffic cops caught on camera taking bribes in Bengaluru

Two separate incidents of Bengaluru Traffic Police personnel allegedly accepting bribes were caught on camera on Saturday, raising fresh concerns about corruption during traffic enforcement.

A traffic head constable, identified as Somashekhar of the Pulakeshinagar Traffic Police Station, has been suspended after allegedly accepting a ₹5,000 bribe from a truck driver.

According to the suspension order issued by Bengaluru East Traffic Deputy Commissioner of Police Sahil Bagla, Somashekhar allegedly demanded money from truck driver Syed Afroz, who was transporting an iron-laden lorry during a vehicle inspection.

The head constable was accused of threatening the driver that a formal case would lead to court proceedings and a fine unless he paid the bribe. The truck driver reportedly recorded the transaction on his mobile phone and submitted the video to senior police officials. Following a preliminary inquiry, the head constable was suspended on charges of misconduct and accepting illegal gratification.

In another incident, a traffic assistant sub-inspector attached to the Peenya Traffic Police Station was allegedly seen accepting ₹200 from a motorist at 8th Mile. According to the allegation, the police had stopped the rider during a vehicle check and reportedly told him he would let him go if he paid ₹200. Residents recorded the exchange on their mobile phones. In the video, the motorist is heard saying, “I paid ₹200 and they let me go.” The video has since surfaced on social media, prompting public criticism.

While body worn cameras are mandatory for traffic police personnel in the city, in both these incidents, it is learnt that the accused policemen allegedly failed to comply with the directive.