Even though taking or accepting a bribe is a criminal offense, citizens and cops still engage in the act. And, while in some cases they do so secretly, there are instances of them doing so blatantly as well. For instance, a Hyderabad cop was sacked after he was caught taking a bribe on camera.
More recently, a female traffic constable openly accepted a bribe from a traffic violator on a two-wheeler in Pune, reports Times Now. A video of the brazen exchange between the constable and the alleged traffic rule violator was widely shared on social media.
In the video, the alleged violator and the cop exchange a few words before the woman tucks money into the back pocket of the cop’s uniform. The clip then shows that there are other police officers standing nearby and are reportedly unaware of the exchange. After the video went viral, people started trolling the officer.
Unique way of taking bribes on an open road & that too by a female cop, somewhere in Mumbai ! #bribe #TrafficPolice #trafficviolation #fines pic.twitter.com/faeSc1cbmf
— sanjay bhutiani (@sanjaybhutiani) December 17, 2020
The widely shared clip was then taken cognizance of by DCP (Pimpri-Chinchwad headquarters) Sudhir Hiremath. He was quoted saying,
“We received the video on social media. It was filmed at Sai Chowk. Our departmental inquiry will figure out what happened at the spot. We have suspended the constable from the service. This gives out a clear message to those cops who have been indulging in such practices while performing their duties.”
A departmental inquiry has been launched into the matter and the woman constable was identified. According to Mumbai Mirror, Sonnar has been suspended and action has been initiated against her under the sections of the Bombay Police (Punishments and Appeals) Rules and the Bombay Police Act.
Violating traffic rules and then giving and taking bribes for it is totally unacceptable. After all, rules are implemented for the safety of road users. What do you think? Tell us.