Private wardens join Pune Police in tackling traffic congestion across the city. (Image: puneripages.in)
By Prashant for PuneriPages.in
KHALAPUR: An incident involving an alleged bribe demand of ₹500 has led to the assault of a traffic warden by angry citizens on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. The event, captured in a now-viral video, has prompted the Highway Police to begin an investigation into both the bribery accusations against the wardens and the subsequent assault.
Table of Contents
A Chronological Account of the Incident
- A private luxury bus was stopped by traffic wardens near the Khalapur toll plaza.
- The wardens allegedly demanded a ₹500 bribe from the driver for a traffic violation.
- An argument broke out between the driver and the wardens.
- Passengers and nearby citizens intervened, confronting the wardens.
- The situation escalated, and one warden was allegedly assaulted by the crowd.
Crucial Distinction: Who Are These Wardens?
These wardens are not official Traffic Police officers. They are employees of a private agency contracted by IRB Infrastructure Developers, the company responsible for maintaining the expressway, to manage traffic flow. Their authority is limited, and they cannot impose legal fines in the same capacity as sworn police officers. This difference often fuels public skepticism regarding their actions and legitimacy.
Police Response and Official Investigation
According to Highway Police officials, a non-cognizable (NC) offense has been registered. An NC offense means the police cannot make an arrest without a warrant and need a court order to initiate a formal investigation. Both the bribery allegation and the assault are under review.
The Viral Video and Public Reaction
The video shows a heated verbal exchange between the bus driver, passengers, and the wardens, followed by a physical confrontation. While the footage has sparked outrage online, it also reflects a broader frustration among commuters over perceived corruption and misuse of authority on the highways.
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