Gurugram Traffic Police suspends 3 officers for forcing Japanese tourist to pay bribe

New Delhi: The Gurugram Traffic Police has suspended three officers on Tuesday as a viral video shows them taking a bribe from a Japanese tourist. The police has adopted a "zero tolerance" stance on corruption and the suspension was made on that line.

In the video, which has sparked outrage on social media, it can be seen that the three officers fined a Japanese tourist Rs 1,000 for not wearing a helmet while riding pillion. After seeing the video, netizens flagged it as a potential bribery incident, noting that the tourist was not given any receipt for the payment.

The Gurugram Traffic Police took to X and wrote, "A viral video on social media has brought to light misconduct involving the traffic staff. In line with our commitment to transparency and accountability, DCP Traffic Gurugram has taken immediate action. Suspended with immediate effect: ZO ESI Karan Singh (No. 704/GGM), Ct. Shubham (No. 4061/GGM), HGH Bhupender (No. 347/RTK). We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in public service. There is ZERO tolerance for corruption."

The video shows three traffic police officers in Gurugram imposing a 'fine' of Rs 1,000 on a Japanese tourist named Kaito. The person was fined for riding without a helmet as a pillion passenger on a scooter, and the officers received the 'fine' in cash without giving a receipt. They rejected card payment, saying, "Pay here or in court."

However, Kaito recorded the incident using Meta smart glasses without the officers having any clue. He alleged that the police targeted him as a foreigner and posted the video online to highlight the incident. The incident triggered online outrage, as people slammed corruption and demanded stricter measures.