Attacks on traffic cops increase to 324 in 2017

Mumbai: The number of attacks on traffic cops has increased from 178 in 2016 to 324 in 2017. The attacks have increased due to the short-tempered mentality of the civilians, said an expert. The attacks usually are a reaction due to non-compliance of rules and arguments that take place between both parties.

Sources at the traffic police headquarters told The Asian Age, the attacks have been taking place since a very long time, but there is an evident increase in the numbers where the traffic cops are falling victims to violence and abuse. The statistics accessed by The Asian Age shows that 178 traffic cops were attacked in 2016, whereas 324 traffic cops were attacked in 2017.

Amitesh Kumar, joint commissioner of police (Traffic), told The Asian Age, “The traffic cops are imparted training sessions to tackle with the public, and not indulge in public outbursts. There are yoga sessions arranged, where they are trained to keep their calm. However, if such attacks on traffic cops continue to rise, a strict action will be taken against the accused. We will also intensify the training.”

Dr Devika Kotibhaskar, a psychologist, said, “In comparison to the previous year, people have been reported to be more under stress. The reasons have been ranging from depression to losses to the recent addition of Goods and Services Tax (GST). I have treated more than 70 patients who were victims of depression due to the demonetisations and GST implementation.”

Recent incidents

A constable Tanaji Patil (45), was recently attacked and slapped by a 21-year-old Danish Shaikh after the police personnel had told him to move his bike that was parked on the road near a junction in Sector-28, Vashi.

In September, two men allegedly assaulted an on-duty traffic police constable, Sanjay Rane (44) when he was trying to clear the traffic during heavy rainfall in Deonar.