In a stern message to the city’s traffic police, Deputy Commissioner of the traffic department, Vijay Magar, has taken action by suspending three traffic personnel. The suspension follows an incident where the officers were found collectively collecting fines from commuters despite heavy traffic congestion in the area. The incident occurred on Saturday on Jangli Maharaj Road in Pune, prompting the immediate suspension of the officers.
The suspended constables have been identified as Jitendra Dattatray Bhagwat, Jayshing Yashwant Borane, and Gorakh Maruti Shinde, all hailing from the Deccan Traffic Department. The incident unfolded as Deputy Commissioner Vijay Magar was traveling along Jangli Maharaj Road, encountering a traffic jam with vehicles stranded on both sides. The traffic police were expected to swiftly address the congestion and manage the traffic, as the control room had been notified of the situation.
Towing vehicles were summoned to clear vehicles parked on the road. However, during this critical period, the Deputy Commissioner observed the three constables grouped together, collecting fines from commuters. Their primary duty was to proceed to JM Road to alleviate traffic congestion after receiving instructions from the control room, a task they failed to undertake. Consequently, Deputy Commissioner Magar promptly issued an order to suspend the three constables for dereliction of duty.
Officials emphasize that traffic personnel should prioritize facilitating the smooth flow of traffic and resolving traffic jams rather than focusing on collecting fines in groups. Deploying traffic officers in groups for fine collection is not in line with their responsibilities, as per official guidelines. The swift suspension of these constables sends a clear message that disregard for duty and misconduct will not be tolerated. Authorities remain steadfast in their commitment to ensuring the safety and orderly movement of traffic on Pune’s roadways.
