Delhi: Of fake lal battis and few corrupt cops

Around 300 people were prosecuted in New Delhi for unauthorised use of red beacons on their vehicles, a major increase from last year's challan of nine.

According to Delhi Police statistics, a total of 299 people were prosecuted this year till July 31 for illegal use of beacons on their vehicles.

This year, there was a concerted effort by traffic police to catch the violators and the numbers prove it. Last year, the figure was nine while it was 20 in 2009 and a meagre seven in 2008.

Only last month, two MPs and an MLA from Delhi were prosecuted for unauthorised use of red beacons in vehicles. According to law, MPs or MLAs are not allowed to have beacon lights on their vehicles.

...

Vehicles allowed to have red beacon-cum-flasher include those of the President, Prime Minister, former Presidents, Chief Justice of India, Lok Sabha Speaker and Leaders of the Opposition in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha among others.

Similarly, within the National Capital Region, Lieutenant-Governor, Chief Minister, High Court Chief Justice and judges, legislative assembly Speaker, Cabinet ministers and Leader of the Opposition in state assembly are allowed to have red beacon-cum-flasher on their vehicles.

A senior police official said instructions have been issued to traffic police personnel to prosecute vehicles with unauthorised beacons which do not conform to the provisions of Rule 108 (III) of Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.

The official said there was no provision in the Act for arrest of a person for unauthorised use of beacons. "We are using advertisements to sensitise people about the violation. We are conducting regular and vigorous checking to control illegal use of beacons," the official said.

Around 50 Delhi Police personnel were caught taking bribes this year while over 1,800 faced action for dereliction of duty, according to official statistics.

Of the around 50 caught for taking bribes, 25 of them were Constables and nine were Head Constables indicating that bribe taking was more prevalent in the lower ranks.

Six Sub Inspectors and seven Assistant Sub Inspectors were also caught taking bribe from people to favour them, a senior police official said.

"From April this year, we have reported 24 cases in which 47 personnel were caught. In one case, an Inspector and his staff were found involved," the official said.

He said Assistant Commissioners and Station House Officers were asked to hold regular briefings with lower ranks and surprise checks are also being conducted.

The Public Grievances Commission dealing with cases relating to Delhi Police has received 293 complaints from April this year. In 2010-11, the figure was 896 while it was 419 in 2009-10 and 995 in 2008-09, the official said.

According to statistics, a total of 1,849 policemen, including 147 Inspectors, faced action for dereliction of duty till June 30 this year.

The first six month's figure has already surpassed the figures of 2008 and 2009 when action was taken against 987 and 1,813 police personnel respectively.

The complaints regarding involvement of policemen in illegal constructions in Delhi has also shown a similar trend with statistics revealing that 121 cases have come to light this year till June 30 as against a total of 140 last year.