Biker gets Thane traffic cop fined for violations

THANE: In an ironic twist, a Thane traffic constable found himself on the wrong side of the law this past week-he was fined Rs 2,000 for riding a friend’s scooter without adhering to road safety norms.The embarrassment unfolded after a video showing the constable in an argument with a biker near Ambika Nagar, Wagle Estate, went viral, forcing departmental brass to launch an internal review.Traffic police issued a challan on Oct 27 to the constable for riding the two-wheeler without a valid driving licence, besides the vehicle had missing side mirrors, an obscure number plate, and unauthorised stickers resembling official insignia. Each of the four violations invited a penalty of Rs 500.The viral footage captured a charged confrontation between the constable and a biker who earlier was fined for riding helmetless. The biker publicly called out the constable for violations he was supposed to enforce, particularly the smudged number plate. In the video, the constable is seen arguing defensively, claiming the scooter was “being towed”. However, this explanation did not hold water during the internal inquiry. DCP (traffic) Pankaj Shirsat said, “The constable was penalised for using a private vehicle without compliance. His claim that the vehicle was being towed was found to be misleading,” he said.Meanwhile, officials said action was also initiated against the biker for his helmet violation and for obstructing a public servant on duty. The incident prompted the traffic department to issue an internal directive reminding compliance with laws is mandatory for all.