A traffic challan shows a Form No. 45 and Receipt No. 76081, wherein I and many others were issued challans and fine of Rs 100 for not wearing helmet on interior road of Bastora-Moira junction by Mapusa Traffic cell Asst. Sub-Inspector L.R. Gawas and others on their sudden monsoon drive on 08/06/2017 at 12.20 p.m. The amount received from me was not mentioned in the challan form but actually the form reads that it should be sent to the court to decide the matter.
I was surprised when I had returned home from Mapusa within 15 minutes. I found out and learnt that the traffic cops disappeared from the site within half an hour. I wonder why they did not do their duty till 2.30 p.m. like they wait on the highways roads to challan the tourists?
Causing accidents on the state roads and two-wheeler riders dying of head injuries the Government had in the past made helmet wearing compulsory (must) on all State roads. Then by public outcry the Govt. had banned its decision and exempted wearing helmets on interior roads. Then again the Government hurriedly took decision and announced that wearing helmet on all the state roads. Again the Helmet controversy followed and the Government announced that wearing Helmet on interior roads is one’s choice but compulsory (must) wearing on highway roads and then the traffic cell followed strict drive on helmet violations on highway roads only. The helmet issue gave the public awareness that helmet wearing on interior roads is exempted and wearing it was of one’s choice and this practice was following for long. Now the Government decision had changed to safety concern because of the monsoon that the roads will be slippery and also more accidents will occur on the interior roads without wearing helmet. If it was mandatory, the Government should have re-announced and caution the public through media and TV channels to wear helmet on all state roads and the drive likely to begin. The public would have taken note of the caution and would have abided by the rule. So without a notice, how can the traffic cell issue challans on interior roads and loot the helpless public riders?
I feel it is wrong on their part because traffic cops take advantage whilst discharging their duty and act according to their whims and fancies.
I request the Superintendent of Traffic Police to solve this issue.
