Five personnel suspended for charging ‘entry fee’ from vehicles after traders meet traffic police chief

Five traffic police personnel have been suspended for allegedly breaching their domain and misusing their powers by charging an “entry free” from truckers, taking advantage of the confusion over Goods and Services Tax (GST) rules.

‘Several complaints’

The move came after a delegation of trade representatives met the Capital’s traffic police chief on Thursday to register their protest against alleged harassment of vehicles carrying goods.

“We are getting several complaints from city-based traders that traffic police personnel stop vehicles carrying goods and demand bribes in the name of GST to let them pass. This was brought to the notice of Ajay Kashyap, Special Commissioner (Traffic), by a delegation today [Thursday],” said Brijesh Goyal, national convenor of the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI).

‘Advisory soon’

Mr. Goyal said the traffic police chief had assured them that the needful would be done. “He also told us that an advisory would be sent out to all traffic police circles in the Capital, directing them to ensure that no personnel engages in any verification of invoices and other documentation related to GST,” he added.

A senior police officer said there could be more dark sheep in the ranks while reiterating that they do not have the power to stop any vehicle on the pretext of verifying GST payment issues.

Personnel not named

The five traffic policemen, whose name have not been disclosed, have allegedly been indulging in corrupt practices, the police said on Thursday. Among them is an assistant sub-inspector, a head constable and three constables.

They were allegedly charging “entry fee” from truckers carrying commercial goods by making an attempt to check their bills and see if the GST had been paid or not.

The officer also appealed that those who face such an issue must not pay any money. Instead, they should report the matter to the Delhi Police. For this, he said, they could use either the helplines or social media channels.

‘Use social media’

“Complainants can approach us through Twitter, Facebook, helpline numbers, emails or any other platform they find convenient. Additionally, all traffic DCPs of all circles have been instructed to keep an eye and conduct surprise checks,” said the officer.