Kolkata: Kolkata Police top brass has asked traffic guards not to let their guard down while acting against illegal parking, non-wearing of helmets and those violating traffic norms. Traffic cops have been asked to use the present SOP and tow away vehicles that block thoroughfares and even lodge complaints against bikers who get abusive and argue with sergeants. The instructions followed multiple instances of run-ins with bikers at Narkeldanga, James Long Sarani and Tollygunge, the videos of which have gone viral in the past week.The bikers in these videos were questioning the cops. In the video supposedly involving the Tollygunge Traffic guard, the bikers kept asking why action was being taken on a few bikes while other vehicles remained parked ahead on the same road. The police were later seen taking away the protesters and two bikes were also towed away.Another video of two traffic officers – one of them a sergeant – has gone viral since last week showing a section of Narkeldanga residents strongly protesting an incident where a young motorcyclist was reportedly injured after a sergeant allegedly kicked him while he was riding near Narkeldanga Bridge, causing him to lose balance and crash on the road. The injured youth was taken to a hospital for treatment, they claimed.The Beleghata Traffic Guard denied any officer kicking a biker. “We carry regular checks at Narkeldanga. On Wednesday morning, a similar drive was on. We tried to stop a young rider who was not wearing a helmet. But he tried to flee. In his haste, he fell and injured himself and another woman passer-by. No officer had kicked him ,” said an officer.Lalbazar stated FIRs have been drawn up in all such cases. “While one can always present their defence, there is a legal procedure for the same. It cannot come as a challenge to law and order,” explained an officer.Sources said all guards have been also asked not to stop their drives at the main roads, but even enter the bylanes which have been marked as “vulnerable.” “We have asked them to record everything with their body cameras. This will help us when challenged. In addition, we have also begun analyzing spots which need improvement. For example, while Gobinda Khatik Road saw a larger compliance, areas around Paddapukur and Rippon Street remain areas of concern,” stated a police officer.
