Three cops suspended in Dharmapuri highway bribery case

Dharmapuri: District superintendent of police S S Maheswaran has placed three policemen, including a special sub-inspector, under suspension over allegations of extorting money from goods vehicle drivers at Thoppur on Bengaluru-Salem National Highway stretch.The action comes close on the heels of a private TV channel telecasting a video footage showing highway patrol personnel near Thoppur toll booth collecting cash from the vehicles transporting goats, cattle, minerals and vegetables. The report triggered a public outrage. A preliminary inquiry ordered by the district superintendent of police reportedly confirmed irregularities. "Based on this, special SI Selvapathy and head constables Venkatesan and Bharathan were placed under suspension," the SP said. He said they had initiated a departmental inquiry and that strict action would follow if the charges were proved.