- I Paid A Bribe
- 12 years ago
- 1270 views
Corruption @ IFFCO Chowk
- Police
- Traffic Violations
- Paid INR 500
Yesterday night at 8.30 I was coming from Iffco chowk metro station and had to go towards New Delhi. The light was still green when I started to take the right turn. However, the traffic was stuck as a result by time I reached mid-way the marshal there stopped me. There were two cops present there and both of them did not wear any badges or name plates. They told me that you have jumped the Red light and we will impound your RC. First: I tried to reason with them that I started under green light only, but they did not listen. When I agreed to pay the fine they asked me for 1100 bucks. I asked them what is the fine for red light violation and they said 100 rupees, but there is 1000 rupee fine for dangerous driving. I was not even at a speed of 5 when this happened, I had my seat belt on, was not talking over the phone, was on the right side of the road and even on the right lane. Still they were adamant they whenever there is red light violation there is also a case for rash and negligent driving. On top of they started using harsh language to try and threaten me. When I finally agreed to pay the fine, they said I can only do so at the court (Room no. 36 is I remember correctly). I told them that I have the money and I can pay the fine there itself but they would not listen. Finally the second cop told me, that if I pay 500 rupees, they will let us go. Given the fact that I stay in noida and I did not think that things would be straightforward at the court as well, I was forced to pay this bribe. I have heard similar stories from other people as well that Iffco Chowk traffic cops will make you pay the bribe no matter what you do. I experienced it myself yesterday and am extremely aghast with them. I want to complain to their higher authorities but could not find an id yet. I will keep searching and will surely write to the senior officers in Gurgaon. This is not a one-off case but a routine practice at Iffco chowk.