Nagpur police chief transfers 16 traffic branch staff to police headquarters amid complaints

Nagpur Police Commissioner Vishwas Nangre Patil has transferred 16 personnel linked to the city's traffic branch to police headquarters. The order was issued on October 23. The action, which comes amid alleged complaints of extortion and questions over traffic management, is being widely discussed in the police department.

The personnel have been removed from their current postings and told to report to police headquarters. They include personnel attached to the traffic units of MIDC, Sadar, Sonegaon, Cotton Market, Kalamna, Pardi, Kamptee, Indora, Lakadganj and Sitabuldi.

The administrative action comes at a time when complaints were being received about traffic jams, violations of traffic rules and the alleged entry of heavy vehicles into restricted areas. These issues have raised questions about how traffic is being handled in several parts of the city.

It is said that complaints of alleged extortion within the traffic branch had also surfaced over the past few months. According to discussions within the police department, the latest action was taken on the basis of confidential information.

However, the official reason given for the transfers is administrative. No information proving wrongdoing against any of the 16 personnel individually has been made public.

The personnel concerned are said to be worried about the action. All eyes are now on whether the administrative reshuffle brings any improvement in traffic management and enforcement of rules across Nagpur.