Chandigarh Police will no longer stop vehicles without reason; challans will be issued only through CCTV surveillance
PTC Web Desk: The Chandigarh Police will no longer stop vehicles without reason and will act strictly only in cases of traffic violations. Director General of Police (DGP) Dr Sagar Preet Hooda has issued clear directives that motorists should not be unnecessarily stopped, particularly families traveling together.
The DGP said the move aims to improve the image of the Chandigarh Police. The decision comes after multiple videos went viral on social media showing motorists being harassed at police checkpoints.
In a significant step, manual challans have been discontinued. From now on, challans will be issued only through CCTV surveillance. The directive further instructs Station House Officers (SHOs) that vehicles at checkpoints must be stopped only if a driver is found violating traffic rules.
Over the past months, several citizens recorded and shared videos of being stopped without cause, even when carrying valid documents and following traffic norms. Many of these clips were widely circulated on social media, prompting strong criticism of the police.
There have also been frequent complaints that vehicles from other states were disproportionately targeted by traffic police, especially at entry points, light points, and major intersections. Allegations surfaced that some personnel even paid hefty sums to get postings at such checkpoints.
DGP Hooda, since assuming charge, has initiated reforms in policing practices. He clarified that challans will now be issued only for genuine traffic violations.
- With inputs from agencies
