Mysore/Mysuru: Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP-Crime and Traffic) S. Jahnavi has ordered the suspension of Narasimharaja (NR) Traffic Head Constable Somashekar on charge of dereliction of duty.

On Nov. 28, 2023 at about 10.30 pm, when NR Traffic Police were conducting routine inspection of vehicles near Manipal Hospital Junction, Head Constable Somashekar, stopped a car coming from Mandya side and found that the person behind the wheels, was driving under the influence of alcohol. After seizing the car, the vehicle was taken to Traffic Police Station.

When the car driver came to the Police Station, Somashekar told him to pay Rs. 10,000 fine to release the car. When the car driver came forward to pay the fine, Somashekar reportedly asked him to transfer the money to one Ramesh Gowda through Google Pay, following which the car driver transferred the money to the said person. However, when the driver demanded receipt for the fine paid, Somashekar got Rs. 5,000 transferred back to the car driver via Google Pay and told the car driver that Rs. 5,000 was sufficient and released the car.

Meanwhile, social activist Snehamayi Krishna, moved an application alleging irregularities committed by the Head Constable. In his application, Krishna stated that though the car driver had produced all relevant documents during checking, Rs. 10,000 was demanded and the matter was also not brought to the notice of Traffic Inspector Rekha Bai, who was present at the spot. Even the receipt for the fine paid by the car driver was not issued.

Based on the application from Krishna, an inquiry was conducted and as the Head Constable Somashekar was found guilty of dereliction of duty, he has been kept under suspension, the order from the DCP stated.