Traffic checks in Jamshedpur under fire for unsafe practices

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, Oct 13: Questions are being raised over the working style of the city’s traffic police, particularly in areas like Burmamines, Jubilee Park Gate, Sonari Sai Mandir Mor, Telco and Golmuri. Locals allege that police personnel often conduct surprise checks by hiding behind trees and suddenly stepping onto the road, causing panic among drivers. Such sudden appearances have reportedly led to several accidents, injuries and even deaths.

Residents and commuters argue that these practices compromise public safety in the name of enforcing traffic discipline. “This approach is unsafe. Instead of ensuring road safety, it creates fear and chaos among drivers,” said a commuter near Jubilee Park. Many are now asking who will be held responsible for the accidents that occur during such checks — the police or the motorists.

Records show that several major accidents have occurred during these surprise checks. On March 22, 2025, a woman named SF Rakshi, a resident of Barinagar, lost her life after falling from her scooter during a checking drive near the Telco Railway Ticket counter. On October 11, 2025, another woman was injured near Telco GT Hostel when she lost control of her scooter during a police stop, leading to public outrage at the scene.

In other incidents, motorists have complained about harassment and bribery. On October 9, 2025, drivers at Pardih Chowk alleged that police demanded money despite their vehicle documents being in order. Similarly, in June 2025, a youth at Sidgora was allegedly mistreated when a constable snatched his bike keys and helmet — the officer was later suspended.

Earlier, former SSP Kishore Kaushal had instructed that all traffic checks be conducted only under CCTV surveillance or through body-worn cameras to ensure transparency and safety. However, after his transfer, the old system of unmonitored checks has reportedly returned.

Refuting allegations, Traffic DSP Neeraj stated, “The idea that police hide behind trees is false. Checking is done at designated spots daily. Investigations are meant to be under CCTV coverage and any without such surveillance will be stopped.”

Despite official denials, the ongoing incidents have sparked a citywide debate on whether traffic enforcement in Jamshedpur is ensuring safety — or endangering lives.