After transfer of administrative power of the City Patrol Unit from the police headquarters to Garhwal and Kumaon ranges, the CPU personnel who were earlier witnessed pro-active on the roads imposing challans for traffic violations are not as visible as previously on the roads.
Some CPU personnel expressed apprehension over their future postings in the absence of Government rules and manuals. It should be mentioned here that CPU has remained mired in controversy since its inception.
CPU personnel were witnessed frequently on roads, hunting the vehicle users, sans helmets or those violating other traffic rules. They are conspicuous by their absence now, compounding things for the law-abiding commuters, said a resident of Dehradun.
Sources in the police department said that CPU personnel have been strictly directed not to go aggression while doing duty. It seems CPU personnel are working under pressure, the resident added.
Meanwhile, after transfer of administrative power of CPU from PHQ to ranges, it has become herculean task for the police officers to direct the CPU personnel enforcing traffic regulations on roads.
Worse, local shopkeepers in the State capital are vociferous in demanding dismantlement of CPU, alleging they are milking money out of the vulnerable.
Most interestingly, after two incidents wherein CPU personnel had scuffled with relatives of senior BJP and Congress leaders reported recently, the party activists of both vented ire against CPU for harassing and exploiting the common people.
However, the positive aspects of CPU had been discernible in Dehradun city with the people who had used to flout traffic rules with impunity previously being forced to comply with them with swift punitive action hanging over them. Those driving two-wheelers had been seen with helmets on-a sight which had been rare previously. Now, things are returning to square one with the unit’s visibility declining fast.
A CPU inspector said that around seven CPU personnel have been injured in road accidents reported recently and they are under treatment in various hospitals. Some of them are now attending firing training being organised at various parts of the State.
He further said that CPU personnel had been assured by senior police officers that they would be given extra 30 per cent of their actual salary. No steps have been taken by the Government on this issue so far. He said such nonchalance would de-motivate them. It is better to work in police station nearer to the native places, he added.
He further said that statistics revealed that City Patrol Unit (CPU) had imposed more challans under Motor Vehicle Act on the traffic violators than traffic police which is traditionally entrusted with the task of bringing to book and imposing penalties on the traffic rule violators.
It should be mentioned here that CPU was formed in April 2014, 2014 to enforce traffic regulations and act as swift response team to crack down on crimes like chain- snatching, eve-teasing and other offences in the city.