Kolkata Police Launch Probe Into Alleged Extortion Incident
Kolkata Police have initiated a formal investigation into a serious allegation of extortion after a motorist captured video evidence of a police officer allegedly accepting money during the early hours of Tuesday morning in north Kolkata.
Motorist's Allegations Spark Police Inquiry
The incident came to light when Hemant Rathi, a motorist traveling to Howrah station to drop off his elderly parents, posted detailed allegations on social media platform X. According to Rathi's account, he was stopped near Cossipore Bridge by individuals wearing police uniforms who accused him of violating traffic regulations.
The personnel initially demanded Rs 3,000 as penalty, but after negotiations, the amount was allegedly reduced to Rs 700. Rathi claimed the officers insisted on cash payment, stating that online challan payment was not possible at that time.
Social Media Exchange Leads to Official Response
In his social media post, Rathi tagged Kolkata Traffic Police and wrote: "This is how corruption happens in a country like India and a city like Kolkata. At 4 am, while dropping my parents at Howrah Station, 3-4 Kolkata Traffic Police personnel allegedly took Rs 700 cash (asked Rs 3,000 first), claiming online challan isn't possible."
The Kolkata Police official account responded promptly, requesting Rathi to email his formal complaint with complete details to the Deputy Commissioner of Traffic. They assured that "after due inquiry, necessary steps shall be initiated."
Investigation Process Underway
Rathi confirmed he submitted the requested information via email and specifically asked for a thorough investigation. When police asked for the exact location, he provided precise coordinates using Google Maps, pinpointing the spot near Cossipore Bridge where the alleged incident occurred.
While Kolkata Police have not released an official statement regarding the incident, sources from Lalbazar police headquarters confirmed that an internal inquiry has been initiated. An officer from the north division stated: "We will not comment until our seniors review the footage and decide on the next course of action."
Key Questions Remain Unanswered
Police authorities have been cautious in their preliminary response, stopping short of confirming several crucial details:
- Whether the individuals seen in the video were genuine police personnel assigned to that location
- If they might have been impersonators operating with intent to extort money
- The specific identities of the officers involved in the alleged incident
The investigation is expected to examine surveillance footage from the area and verify the authenticity of the uniforms and identification of the personnel involved. This case highlights ongoing concerns about police conduct and corruption allegations in urban centers, with citizens increasingly using digital platforms to document and report such incidents.
