OLD GOA
Ever since the traffic sentinel scheme was launched in November 2017, traffic sentinels have helped traffic police in reporting traffic rule violations and reaping benefits from the same. However, the sentinels have become targets of public ire in Santa Cruz. Two of the sentinels were confronted by citizens within a week.
On February 10, a traffic sentinel, Aditya Kataria, was confronted by some persons at Santa Cruz after he clicked photos of motorists violating traffic rules. Seven days later, a traffic sentinel, Mukundraj Mudras, filed a police complaint against a motorist for issuing threats and attempt to assault.
In his complaint, Mudras said he had spotted a four-wheeler with dark tinted glasses and a fancy number plate on February 17. “As these are violations under the Motor Vehicle Act, I photographed the car. The car owner snatched my phone and deleted the photos, while also attempting to assault me,” said Mudras.
After being informed that he was liable for prosecution for manhandling, the person told Mudras that he himself was a police and brother of a police officer, and therefore the police would not dare act against him.
The person then threatened to use his influence and finish Mudras and his family.
However, when Mudras called up the police officer named by the motorist, he was told the motorist was not related to the police officer and was advised to register a complaint with the police station.
Mudras lodged a complaint at Old Goa police station against the motorist and sought strict action against such persons who abuse, threaten or assault traffic sentinels.
Speaking to The Goan, Mudras said, “The government should set a precedent by taking stern action in this case. There needs to be legal protection for assault against traffic sentinels so that it instils confidence in them when reporting traffic violations.”
Incidentally, DGP Dr Muktesh Chander had warned motorists of stern action if they were to confront, intimidate or assault traffic sentinels, while clicking photos of any violation.
At a function in the Panaji police headquarters on February 9 to disburse Rs 2.3 lakh as reward to 17 traffic sentinels, DGP Chander had told the media, “I warn all the motorists that if they try and pick a fight with traffic sentinels, they are picking up a fight with me and I will not spare them.”
“If anyone squabbles with any sentinel, I will take it as a prestige issue and think that the person is messing with Goa police and the consequences of that are severe.”
