On Indian roads, it isn’t rare to see those in power breaking rules and creating inconvenience for the people around. These acts aren’t questioned in most such cases, as they are wealthy and powerful. In a recent incident, however, we saw a traffic policeman stand up to a BJP lawmaker's son in Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras. Legislative Council member (MLC) Chaudhary Rishipal Singh's son Tapesh was in his Mahindra Scorpio Classic when the SUV blocked traffic on a busy road in the city. Traffic constable SP Singh questioned this and in the argument that followed, Singh even said that he is more educated than the lawmaker’s son.
A video of the argument has now surfaced online. It shows the policeman questioning the SUV for creating a traffic jam. Singh was doing his duty when Tapesh allegedly told him to ‘get lost’. Shattering his expectations that the cop would keep quiet, Singh reacted. He said "You are maligning your father's reputation."
The SUV, a White Scorpio Classic registered in Aligarh, even had a ‘Vidhayak’ sticker on its windshield. It further had a BJP flag on the bonnet- all displaying the power and influence of its owner. The lawmaker’s son was even accompanied by a gunner.
Despite these, constable Singh chose to question the violation and asked the driver to move the vehicle from the middle of the road. This was when the MLC’s son arrogantly asked him to ‘ get lost’. This sparked a fierce altercation between the two. The traffic cop recorded the entire exchange on his phone. Other policemen soon showed up and tried to defuse the situation.
"I am 55 years old and you are saying 'bhaag yahan se' (meaning get lost) ?," the traffic cop is seen asking the lawmaker’s son. Tapesh replies, "You are 55 years old, that's why I am showing respect."
In the exchange that follows, we can hear the cop say that the SUV is creating a traffic jam and causing inconvenience to the public. He further adds that ‘ If you had spoken nicely, this situation would not have arisen’.
Tapesh stressed that he was indeed speaking properly and also blamed the cop of damaging the entire department’s reputation with the act. Singh replied to this by saying "You are damaging your father's reputation." and also said that he would upload the video on social media. Giving the lawmaker’s son a sharper whip, Singh said "I am more educated than you. I know how to talk. You are misusing power."
Frustrated, Tapesh just nods, asks the driver to move the car, mumbling something. This seems to be a clear case of egos at play. It is also to be noted that, here it was the traffic cop who was right.
Tapesh, from what we know from the cop’s words, had blocked the busy road with his Scorpio and had also refused to identify himself initially. Singh also said that he had clicked his photographs without consent, before the altercation began.
It is the duty of the traffic police to ensure smooth and congestion-free flow of vehicles through our roads. It is illegal for anyone, regardless of how wealthy or powerful he/she may be, to interfere in the duty of or obstruct public servant.
Anyone engaged in such a practice can be booked under Section 186 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). It deals with obstructing a public servant in the discharge of their duties and can fetch imprisonment of up to 3 months or a fine of up to Rs 500. It is, however, a bailable offence.