Traffic police issues court challans instead of spot cash

Demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes forced Delhi Traffic Police to issue court challans instead of on the spot cash penalties for traffic violations even as the PCR unit grappled with complaints of non-acceptance of the withdrawn bank notes.
Traffic cops posted at various traffic points as people who were challaned haggled with them about their inability to pay the challan.
"We have asked our cops to issue court challans for offences where the challan amount is more than Rs 100. The 500 and 1,000 rupee notes have been withdrawn and we can't accept them," said a senior traffic police officer.

However, traffic police officers on ground said that many people told them, "Aap toh sarkar ke neeche aate ho. Aap kaise nahi accept kar rahe? (You come under the government. Why aren't you accepting cash?)"
There were many cops who had people telling them, "Arre, police ka toh kaam hi hai janta ki seva karna. Aur aap janta ko pareshaan kar rahe hain (It's the job of police to serve people but you are troubling people)"
Traffic police officers also said that compared to other days, they observed less traffic on the roads as markets like Lajpat Nagar, Karol Bagh, Connaught Place saw less number of shoppers.

Security was also stepped up in the 11 districts around petrol pumps, places offering gold loans, in order to ensure that refusal to accept Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes doesn't translate into major arguments.

"We have been getting calls about quarrels arising over non-acceptance of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. In order to ensure that things don't get out of hand security has been tightened around petrol pumps," said a senior officer from southeast district.
A senor officer from west district added, "We have asked petrol pumps and other places like banks, places offering gold loans to ensure that CCTV cameras are installed in the premises. Police presence has been increased in the district."

The PCR vans have been regularly patrolling the areas where petrol pumps are located so that in case of an emergency, they can quickly provide assistance.
A senior officer from the operation unit of Delhi Police said, "Since we are the first responders, we started getting calls from 8.30 pm last night from people complaining that shopkeepers are asking them to buy things worth Rs 500 or Rs 1,000. Some people also complained that their Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes weren't being accepted."
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At an ATM of a private bank in Lajpat Nagar last night, a huge had crowd gathered, following which the ATM had to be shut down, police said.

"There was a huge chaos at an ATM near the Lajpat Nagar metro station. Police security is likely to be stepped up, since law and order should not be disturbed," a police officer said.
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The Delhi police also stated that security would be provided to banking institutes reopening tomorrow, where a huge rush is expected in order to exchange old-denomination notes.
"There will be police deployment at all banks in the city tomorrow. Banks have been requested to put up proper notices about demonetisation details. Adequate police presence would also be there at the ATMs to be operational from November 11," Dependra Pathak, Delhi Police spokesperson and joint commissioner of police (Southwest), said.

He said police personnel will also be deployed at petrol pumps, Kendriya Bhandar, Safal centres, pharmacies, hospitals, Mother Dairy outlets etc.
"Apart from police deployment, patrolling staff will be covering all vulnerable premises," Pathak said.
The arrangements will commence from 9 AM tomorrow, the officer said.
He added that the districts would be provided with additional staff for deployment and senior officers including DCPs and Joint CPs will be closely supervising the arrangements.