- I Paid A Bribe
- 13 years ago
- 188 views
Had to pay bribe to traffic cops to avoid being dragged to police station for no fault of mine
- Police
- Traffic Violations
- Paid INR 500
I have been driving my car for the last 6 years and never had any accident or traffic violations so far. I used to say myself, if I drive safely and arrest the urge to overtake and jump signals, I am doing a favour to myself, my family and the fellow drivers contributing to the overall road safety. This perception changed last Diwali - that one can be penalised for no fault if the cops find you as an easy pray. I was waiting at a signal for the lights to turn green with my car completely at rest. A new car, possibly with an inexperienced driver, drove past me from my left touching my number plate. This resulted in my plastic number plate breaking into peices but luckily no other apparent damage. The other new car however experienced a ********** scratch on the door. The incident caught the attention of the cops manning the signal and we were asked to park our cars on the side lanes and ********** the senior cop. Since my car was behind the line and at stand still condition, I was **********sure of the other guy getting a beating from the cops. But to my horror it happendd the otherway. Once the cops established that I don't speak the local language, an outsider and driving a bigger car, all logic were pushed aside. I was told the new car suffered more damage and I am at fault. All my logic that the damage and dent would have been much severe had I been moving fell to deaf ears. The other car guy was let off and negotiation started with me in right earnest. I was given a choice however, get hauled to the nearest police station and be prepared for a much heftier fine or pay Rs 500 and make peace. I neither had time nor liked the thought of visiting the police station, which I never visited all my life. After a fruitess argument and pleading for 10 minutes, I handed over a Rs 500 note to the cop and left the scene.
Till today I am neithe able to forget the incident nor able to forgive myself for the cowrdly display. I am a party to this crime of paying bribe. I did not have the courage to stand up for my right. I got scarred of going to the police station. I valued my time more than than paying a bribe. I wished I had a spy camera installed in my car to record the while incident and conversation and upload to YouTube for the world to see how corrupt the Hyd traffic cops are.
Will there be a change? Will I able to change my behaviour the next time around? Will technology come to my rescue? Too many open questions!