Fartode Already under fire over controversial drunk-driving checks, the Nagpur traffic police are in deeper trouble now. Home Guards were caught doing the work meant only for police officers. On Thursday night, Home Guards armed with breathalysers stopped drivers near Airport T-Point on Wardha Road. They directly tested motorists for alcohol during the routine check. This shows that the traffic police are breaking the rules of the Motor Vehicles Act, which states that only a police officer can conduct a breath test. It also raises questions about police officers handing over their powers to avoid accountability. It may be mentioned here that the City Traffic Police have roped in the services of Home Guards for traffic duties.

 

Their role is to support the traffic police in streamlining traffic. However, stepping beyond their role in traffic management, the Home Guards were seen testing motorists with breathalyser devices. Barricades had been placed on the road and four-wheeler drivers were stopped for checking by the Home Guards. They tested drivers one by one. Those suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol were moved to an open space on the left side for further action. A police official, on request of anonmity, said that Section 203 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, deals with breath tests. A police officer in uniform or an officer of the Motor Vehicles Department authorised by the department can take a breath sample from a motorist for testing.

 

However, conducting breath tests by the Home Guards is a totally illegal activity and it raises questions about the in-charge of concerned traffic division who delegated power to Home Guards to conduct the tests. Sources said the city’s large-scale drunk-driving checks have always been under the scanner since they began around two years ago. Citizens are fed up with constant street nakabandis. Many controversial stories about these checking drives are currently making the rounds. In contrast, traffic police personnel are always keen to be part of the checking drive for reasons best known to them. Home Guards were being allowed to conduct breathalyser tests while police officers stayed in the background. Sources further alleged that this practice was being allowed at many places in the city.

 

They claimed that some officers wanted to avoid direct involvement in situations that could lead to a bribery trap by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). Former Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Jayesh Bhandarkar said a breathalyser was not a device that could be handed over to any personnel at will. He said the devices were issued to police personnel of the rank of Head Constable or above and could not be transferred casually. When contacted by The Hitavada, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Aditya Mirkhelkar said he had never issued instructions authorising Home Guards to conduct breathalyser tests. He said such practices would not be tolerated and assured strict action against the officer concerned.