Director General of the Jammu and Kashmir Police (DGP), Shesh Paul Vaid has warned Inspector General (Traffic), Jammu Basant Rath, on “his conduct and way of working”. In an official communication – dated 22 February –, DGP S P Vaid has cautioned IGP Traffic Jammu, that “action under law” would be initiated against him if he did not desist from violating the service conduct rules on the streets.
“A number of videos, posts and pictures are being circulated on social media, in which you are seen moving in civvies on the roads, doing strange activities unwarranted of a police officer. Other videos uploaded by some commuters allege manhandling, using of abusive language and damage to their property like cell phones, helmets, spectacles and vehicles,” letter addressed to Basant Rath, IGP Traffic said. “These are not only illegal, they are unbecoming of a Police Officer and also utter violation of All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, Rule 3 Section 1(vi), Rule 3 Section 2A and Rule 3 Section 2B (x),” the letter reads further.
“The J&K Motor Vehicle Act 1988 clearly states that no officer shall do any checking of any vehicle without proper uniform. These acts of yours are bringing disrepute and bad name to the Police Organization,” the letter added. “You are hereby advised and warned to refrain from such acts in future. You shall always remain in proper uniform while discharging official duties as mandated in law and Police Rules.
Any violation to these directions shall be viewed seriously and action under law shall be initiated against you,” DGP warned Basant Rath. Pertinently, many officers have either met or written to the top government functionaries in the last ten days and complained to them, that IGP Traffic, Jammu s’ behaviour and style of functioning was bringing a “bad name” to the whole police force. (KR)