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Policing the Police

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Written By murali772 - 16 April, 2008

Bangalore governance Police Reforms Media Reports

I was on my daily dinner routine. Happened to see this on-duty police person walking out of his official patrol van called ‘Hoysala'. He walked up to the cashier of this local restaurant, grabbed some money, and was matter-of-factly walking back. Not that this was the first time I saw such a thing - but, I don't know what became of me (perhaps Bollywood effect?). I looked him in the eye and gestured to him asking him what he was up to. Read more at

http://www.citizenmatters.in/articles/view/111-policing-the-police

COMMENTS

Is it an Open Secret

bangalorean - 16 April, 2008 - 05:58

There is a nice saying in Kannada which goes like this. Praja Rakshakare, Praja Bhakshakaru Aadaga, which means that rulers themselves become the looters of citizens. We have had many such instances in the past, especially in indian history this is not uncommon. But, as civilization takes its next steps, every one is trying to find out new ways of making money, no matter who they are no matter where they are it is such a shame...... Have witnessed such instances earlier, when i saw a pani puri wala harassed. I thought WOW!!!!!!! WILD JUNGLE !!!! WE ARE JUST MUTE SPECTATORS!!! BETTER BE THAT WAY AS CITIZENS DONOT HAVE ANY PROTECTION OTHER THAN CALLING GOD, WHO IS NO WHERE TO BE SEEN....... DO WE NEED ANOTHER REVOLUTION!!!! THE GRT INDIAN CITIZEN REVOLUTION !!!!!!

Legal unawareness

mcadambi - 16 April, 2008 - 10:41

One cannot blame the police all the time. We ourselves do not know how to exercise our rights. Legal unawareness is as much a crime as legal ignorance.

Since i am a builder, i know how the police comes for their usual "maamul" (i.e hafta) especially during  night times when we were laying concrete for our building.

I decided to stand down the building for a change to trap the police. The constable came up to me and asked me if we had permission. I told him yes and i had a copy of the letter that i had submitted to my jurisdictional police.

Then he told me Heavy Truck Vehicles are not allowed. I then replied to him they are under the Indian Motor Vehicles Act. He became pale and then told me to give him 100 Rs for his day.  I did not give.

Sometimes, i pity the police. They are paid very less. Infact, a constable makes about Rs. 5000 a month and that is why he is forced to take bribes.

Nevertheless, people should be educated and should strive to understand how the legal system works in india.

I think mcadambi had hit the

roshanrk - 16 April, 2008 - 15:51

I think mcadambi had hit the nail on the head. Information really is power. The cops take advantage of the fact that they have some information, like what trucks are allowed, while the common man may not. They make use of this ignorance to make money out of us.

the level of corruption goes

narayan82 - 20 April, 2008 - 05:54

the level of corruption goes to the top. If a constable wants a promotion he has to pay up a bribe of close to 10 laks (is what i hear. Also, I hear the policemen's have targets everymonth (for collection of bribe) which is then transferred way up!...and if you don't meet the target you are transferred!

corruption before entering politics?

blrsri - 21 April, 2008 - 06:58

Seat aspirants for various parties are being made to pay huge sums, sometimes going more than 1 crore for one seat!

So one person who would pay this(5-10% of his total cost for fighting elections) and win will want to make atleast 10 times of this money as they come to power..or even more!

If this is the way we want to run govts then no wonder we will never ever come up!

Namma desha uddharaane agolla!

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