(a) whether attention of the Government has been drawn to the newsitem captioned `Traffic Police use diversions for bribes` appearing in the Times of India dated April, 29, 2002;
(b) if so, the details and facts of the matter reported therein;
(c) the time since when the clandestine collection of illegal `hafta` by the Delhi Traffic Police is going on; and
(d) the action propose to be taken to put a halt of such nefarious activities of the Delhi Traffic Police?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI CH. VIDYASAGAR RAO)
(a) to (d): Yes, Sir. It has been alleged in the item under reference that the traffic policemen collect illegal gratification through friendly vendors, drop boxes, messenger service and by issuing monthly coupons/ stickers. The allegations levelled in the news item have, however, been on the basis of intensive surveillance mounted after the publication of the news item found to be speculative in nature and devoid of substance. On the other hand, there have been cases in which some persons were found to have duped innocent drivers by issuing to them stickers with the false assurance that carrying such stickers would save them from prosecution for any violation of traffic rules. The fact of the matter is that Delhi Police regularly prosecute the vehicles displaying such coupons/ stickers.