3 Bengaluru cops suspended for switching off body cams, collecting money from motorists

BENGALURU: Three High Grounds traffic police station personnel have been suspended for allegedly stopping motorists without reason and collecting money while keeping their body cameras switched off.

Deputy commissioner of police (traffic, west) Anoop A Shetty took action a week ago against assistant sub-inspector Suresh G and constables Prashanth K, Sadik SB following a departmental probe into multiple accusations.

Shetty told TOI the trio was caught red-handed at Basaveshwara Circle while stopping vehicles with body-worn cameras switched off and allegedly collecting money from motorists.

According to a senior officer, the three would frequently turn off their cameras and stop vehicles despite no visible traffic violations. They would check vehicle documents and pending fines and allegedly collect bribes from such motorists.

Many motorists orally complained against the trio to High Grounds traffic police station.

There are clear instructions from DG& IGP and the police commissioner to traffic police personnel to stop motorists only in cases of visible violations, except during special drink-and-drive drives. Cops have been instructed to keep body-worn cameras switched on while stopping vehicles and booking cases.