Cops shunted out for not having a driving licence

MUMBAI: Traffic police officials in the city are largely helpless against bikers riding rashly mainly because of the lack of force and equipment to tackle the menace. In April, during the general transfers, the department even found several officers did not have a driving license.

In April, 35 policemen were transferred to side postings such as Local Arms, wholly seen as a punishment posting by the policemen. Sources in the traffic headquarters said 22 of these transferred policemen were sub-inspectors, who did not have a driving license.

Vijay Dhatrak, retired assistant commissioner of police, who has served in traffic police, said, “It is good if policemen have driving licenses. If there is an issue at a junction, either an accident or congestion, the officers can reach the spot without waiting for drivers.”

As for traffic policemen, their job is not only to manage the traffic congestion in the city but also be a part of special drives taking action against bikers. In cases, traffic police officers appointed as riders have to chase down the suspects. Segments of the force say they have been advised to not pursue the suspects due to the dangers of both the parties sustaining injury during the chase.

Although, several officers said it is not mandatory for a traffic officer to have a driving license.

A highly placed source in the traffic department said the 35 posts vacated following the transfers in April are yet to be filled.

“We keep asking for reinforcements in the force and the answer we get is the same – adjust with what we have. We have been adjusting, making up for the lack of men, since several decades,” said the source.

With a little over 3,500 policemen in the city to manage the traffic congestions, deal with the motorists flouting rules and conduct timely drives, many officials said the force is lacking in strength to do its job efficiently.