Bengaluru traffic policeman accused of showing middle finger to bike rider | Bengaluru News
Bengaluru: A photo allegedly showing a traffic police sub-inspector (PSI) displaying a middle finger during an argument with a bike rider went viral on social media Friday, triggering controversy.The photo and a video were uploaded on X by the bike rider Mahendra, who claimed the incident involved PSI Shankarappa of Devanahalli traffic police. Mahendra alleged misconduct by the officer at a traffic signal. However, the cop dismissed the allegation and alleged that the video had been doctored.
According to Mahendra, his bike was stopped in Devanahalli for traffic violations. He claimed he accepted the challan and informed police that he would pay fine in court. However, he alleged the PSI snatched his bike key, abused him using foul language, and told him, “I am the only person who can let you go. Whatever fine I say, you will pay.”Mahendra further alleged that when he questioned the procedure, the PSI made him wait for 3 hours, threatened to impose a fine of Rs 5,000, and showed him the middle finger. He claimed he was eventually allowed to leave only after paying a fine of Rs 3,000.However, traffic police officials have presented a different version of events. According to them, Mahendra was riding his bike without both the registration number plates, and his female pillion rider was not wearing a helmet. Police said PSI Shankarappa questioned Mahendra about it, to which he responded that it was a new bike and asked the officer to question the company for delivering the vehicle without plates. The PSI reportedly asked him to pay a Rs 500 fine for the pillion rider not wearing a helmet and leave.Police stated Mahendra insisted on paying the fine in court. As riding without a helmet attracts a spot fine, the PSI asked him to pay it on the spot. At this point, Mahendra allegedly got into an argument and began recording a video on his mobile phone.Police said the image circulating online was edited and that PSI Shankarappa informed the control room and called Hoysala police when the argument escalated.According to police, Mahendra was fined Rs 500 for not having registration number plates, Rs 500 for the pillion rider not wearing a helmet, and Rs 2,000 for misbehaviour with a police officer. He was taken to police station and released after paying the fines. Officials said the entire incident was recorded on the body-worn camera of PSI Shankarappa.A senior police officer said an explanation has been sought from PSI Shankarappa regarding the incident.
