A late-night incident in the Model House area of Jalandhar has sparked controversy after a police officer said he will pay the challan himself following a heated dispute with a family.
According to information the incident took place when a family had stepped out to get ice cream late at night and as they reached outside an ice cream parlour police issued an online traffic challan leading to a confrontation. He said he asked for proof, including body camera footage, claiming that if he was at fault it should have been recorded.
When questioned the police officer reportedly asked them to take up the matter with senior officials and the driver alleged that he was deliberately fined and further accused the officer of misbehaviour including pulling him out of the car. Another person present claimed that a local political figure, Charanjit Singh Makkar who had earlier contested elections from Ward No. 50 tried to intervene but was allegedly shoved aside by the officer and allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards a young woman present at the scene were also made which police have denied.
The family argued that instead of penalising customers authorities should ensure proper parking arrangements outside such establishments and take action against shop owners if facilities are lacking and also stated that there was no traffic congestion at the time.
Meanwhile ASI Tilak Ram said the challan was issued for illegal parking stating that the vehicle was parked in the middle of the road and added that when police reached the spot the driver started moving the vehicle after which an online challan was issued and also termed the allegations of misconduct towards the woman as baseless.
Following the uproar police said that in this case the officer will pay the challan himself and the family has said they plan to take the matter to higher authorities.