Traffic constable injured while trying to nab errant scooter rider

Kolkata: A traffic police constable sustained minor injuries while trying to intercept an errant scooter rider near the main gate of Science City on Sunday. Later, the accused was apprehended and a specific case was lodged against him.

According to sources, on Sunday at around 12 pm, a traffic police constable from Tiljala Traffic Guard identified as Arnab Banerjee was performing duty near Science City main gate on Park Circus connector. Some other police personnel were performing duty at the crossing of Eastern Metropolitan (EM) Bypass and Park Circus connector. All of a sudden, they noticed a scooter bearing registration number WB 01 AA 7913 violating the signal on EM Bypass and turning towards the Park Circus connector. The rider and pillion were riding without helmet as well.

When a police constable tried to stop him, the scooter rider identified as Saqalain Zameer of Topsia second lane, reportedly rode the vehicle dangerously to avoid getting caught. Immediately, a senior police official informed the sergeant and the constable posted near the main gate of Science City to intercept the scooter. Upon getting the call, the on-duty sergeant blocked the scooter rider's way in an attempt to stop him.

Seeing police blocking his way with intention to prosecute, the errant rider stopped and took a u-turn dangerously on the same road in an attempt to flee. When moving on the opposite direction of a one-way flank, Banerjee tried to stop him. While doing so, Zameer again tried to give him a slip but was unable to do so and hit him instead. As a result, both the scooter rider and Banerjee fell on the road. Meanwhile, the traffic sergeant and other police officials ran to the spot and caught the accused.

Banerjee was rushed to the Chittaranjan National Medical College and Hospital, from where he was treated and discharged. Sources informed that he has sustained injuries on his legs and hands.

He later lodged a complaint at Pragati Maidan police station, following which Zameer was booked under sections 279 (rash driving or riding on a public way) and 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the IPC. He was also prosecuted under sections of the Motor Vehicles Act for signal violation, riding a two-wheeler without helmet and riding without a valid driving licence.