PANAJI
Allegations of bribery have once again surfaced in the Traffic Department, prompting swift action from higher-ups wasting no time in suspending a lady Assistant Sub Inspector and two head constables. The trio's joint complaint of extortion against an unidentified caller led to the revelation and subsequent suspension.
ASI Samina Salgaonkar and HC Surendra Mhamal, posted at Panaji Traffic Cell, along with Nilesh Talkar attached to Traffic Cell, Margao are now being probed for allegedly demanding and taking bribes from commuters, allegedly traffic violators.
Sources said the trio, while posted at Anjuna TC, had lodged a complaint regarding extortion calls by an unidentified man last month. Sources said the complainant cops alleged that the anonymous caller claimed he possessed a video purportedly showing them accepting bribes from traffic violators, and demanded an extortion payment to stop him from releasing the video.
Police sources said the department launched an inquiry into their complaint which resulted in the expose. They were shunted during the inquiry period, followed by their suspension. The trio were a part of a broader set of 11 recent transfers.
They are now awaiting disciplinary proceedings while stationed at the Traffic Education Cell in Altinho during their suspension period.
