Traffic cops suspended on bribe charge

Two police officers have been suspended from duty for allegedly demanding a bribe of Rs one lakh to settle a road accident case.

The officials–Kengeri traffic police station inspector Nagesh L and assistant sub-inspector of police Krishnappa were suspended after DCP (traffic-west) S Girish conducted a departmental inquiry based on a complaint and submitted a report recommending that the duo be suspended, Additional Commissioner of Police (traffic and road safety ) B Dayananda told Deccan Herald.

According to police, Nagesh had reportedly demanded a sum of Rs one lakh from Dr Kiran Kumar, a resident of Davangere. The accident occurred when a relative of Kumar, Sunil, who was driving Kumar’s car, rammed  with a biker near Shirke bus stand opposite Karnataka Bank.

A large number of people gathered at the spot as the injured biker fell down, upon seeing which Sunil fled the scene and did not disclose the incident to anyone.

Kumar, however, grew suspicious upon noticing the damage in the front portion of his car. When asked, Sunil told Kumar that an unknown vehicle had collided with the car near Jnanabharathi area.

Details collected

Kumar believed Sunil’s version and lodged a complaint with the Kamakshipalya traffic police. Meanwhile, the biker, who had sustained injuries, lodged a complaint with the Kengeri traffic police and police inspector Nagesh L registered a case and collected details of the car owner, said the police.

Nagesh summoned Kumar to the police station and learnt that Kumar had already lodged a complaint with the Kamakshipalya traffic police quoting wrong details in the complaint. He then threatened to book a case against Kumar for cheating and misleading the police.

The police inspector allegedly demanded Rs one lakh for settling the matter,ensuring insurance cover and releasing the car. He finally settled down for Rs 85,000, instructed Kumar to tell ASI Krishnappa that the deal was struck for Rs 10,000 pay the latter( Krishnappa) that amount. The inspector then suggested Kumar to meet at a specific place in Rajajinagar along with cash in an hours time, said the police.

According to police, Kumar, who had recorded the conversation with the inspector on his cellphone, handed over the recorded information to the police and lodged a complaint. The DCP then conducted a detailed inquiry into the matter and submitted a report.