Recently, a video had gone viral on social media in which a rental goods carrier driver can be seen arguing over a ₹500 fine levied by traffic police in Chennai’s Kolathur region, despite having all necessary paperwork. The driver, at the Senthil Nagar signal, challenged the police’s decision, emphasizing his possession of a valid license.
The conflict initiated when traffic police halted a small cargo vehicle transporting school textbooks and sought to impose a ₹500 fine. Senthamizhan, the cargo vehicle driver, grew increasingly frustrated, questioning the rationale behind the fine and even contesting the officer’s authority due to the lack of a name badge on the uniform. Despite presenting his driving license and other essential paperwork, Senthamizhan felt unfairly singled out by the police.He vehemently protested, insisting that his vehicle was within the permissible weight limit and demanding clarification regarding the alleged infringement. Expressing his exasperation, he sarcastically remarked on the ease with which the police seemed to acquire money, citing his educational qualifications as a defense against what he perceived as unjust treatment.
Following this, the driver was charged under sections 294(b) (uttering obscene words), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of duty), and 506(i) (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Arappor Iyakkam, a city-based NGO that acts as a watchdog on corruption and civic issues has issued a statement with a strong condemnation stating that Tamil Nadu has always been a police state.
“The Tamil Nadu police have no hesitation in cracking down on those who question police officers fairly. The DMK and AIADMK governments have worked tirelessly with each other to use this police force to suppress their opponents.“, the organization said.
In their tweet, Arappor Iyakkam demanded action from the highest levels of state leadership. “Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Tamil Nadu Police Minister MK Stalin should order the cancellation of the false case filed against the driver. The anarchic attitude of the Tamil Nadu Police should be stopped. The Chennai Police Commissioner should explain the false complaint of the traffic police and this false case. Action should be taken against the traffic cop who has now filed a false complaint against the erring driver by imposing a fine of ₹500 on him.”
இந்த காணொளியில் போக்குவரத்து காவலர் தனக்கு விதித்த 500 ரூபாய் அபாராதத்திற்கு காரணம் கேட்ட ஓட்டுனர் மீது 294 (b) (uttering obscene words), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of duty) and 506 (i) (criminal intimidation) of IPC ஆகிய பிரிவுகளின்… pic.twitter.com/XXhCnpAzZV
— Arappor Iyakkam (@Arappor) May 19, 2024
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.