Bengaluru, June 1: The newly appointed Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP), M.A. Saleem, has issued strict instructions to all police personnel across Karnataka, urging them to avoid conducting random vehicle checks without clear and valid reasons.
The directive, issued on Saturday, May 31, comes in the wake of two serious incidents linked to random checks. On May 26, a child tragically lost their life and a couple sustained injuries in Mandya while attempting to avoid a surprise check by traffic police. In another incident on May 13 in Davangere, a constable was fatally run over by a speeding goods vehicle during a similar enforcement operation. Saleem noted that both episodes reflected poor precautionary measures by the traffic personnel involved, leading to fatal outcomes and posing risks to both the public and officers.
Highlighting the importance of safety and accountability, Saleem ordered that traffic police should intervene only when visible violations are observed. Officers have been directed not to stop fast-moving vehicles abruptly, especially on highways. For planned inspection drives, he recommended placing reflective rubber cones 100 to 150 meters in advance to allow drivers enough time to reduce speed safely.
The circular also prohibits several enforcement practices such as using zigzag barricades, physically pulling riders or pillion passengers off moving bikes, and confiscating vehicle keys. Law and order officers have been advised to avoid setting up roadblocks on highways and are encouraged to coordinate with traffic units when necessary.
Further emphasizing safety protocols, Saleem mandated the use of reflective jackets and LED batons for traffic personnel, especially during evening and night operations. He also called for the compulsory use of body-worn cameras during physical vehicle inspections and urged that such activities be conducted in well-lit areas.
Promoting the use of technology, the police chief stressed the importance of contactless enforcement. He instructed officers not to pursue violators but instead note down registration numbers and relay them to control rooms. In areas equipped with Intelligent Traffic Management Systems (ITMS), officers are encouraged to rely on these systems for evidence-based, non-intrusive enforcement.
