Constable Files PIL In Bombay HC Alleging “Rampant Corruption” In Traffic Police Dept [Read Petition]

In an embarrassment to the Police Department, head constable Sunil Toke has filed a PIL alleging rampant corruption in Mumbai’s traffic police, seeking registration of an FIR against corrupt police officials and constitution of a Special Investigation Team to look into this entire case.

Toke, who is currently posted at Worli, was earlier posted at Goregaon Traffic Police Division and at Wadala Traffic Police Division. He has been in police service for 32 years. During his stint in the Traffic Police division, the petition stateD Toke was “shocked and surprised” to see such “rampant corruption”.

Many allegations were levelled against the traffic police in the petition. It was stated that in each region/division of Traffic Police Department, there are two constables/havildars, who are known as “cashiers”.

They are unofficially deputed on the duty to collect daily / monthly hafta from old and new two-wheeler and four-wheeler showrooms, which is about Rs.5,000 to Rs.10,000. It is also stated that traffic police “collect around Rs.25,000 to Rs.30,000 per month for running ready-mix cement vehicles, sand, bricks and other construction material vehicles. “

Other cases where the traffic police choose to look the other way in exchange for some cash, were also highlighted. For example, in case of illegal parking on the roads, it is stated that the traffic police take money from five star hotels for allowing illegal parking on the roads.

Even in cases of drunken driving, the petition stated that the police let the guilty off the hook in exchange for cash.

The petitioner had written several complaints to senior police officials, including the Commissioner as well as the Director General of Police, citing instances of corruption in the traffic police department but no action has been taken. He even wrote a letter to the Chief Minister. He even submitted a CD, which allegedly has proof to substantiate his allegations.

This matter will come up for hearing in due course.

Read the petition here.

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