Sting Operation Alleges ‘Extortion’ of Gujarat Motorists by Rajasthan Police on Highways

Ahmedabad: A sting operation by a vlogger has allegedly exposed instances of Rajasthan Police personnel demanding cash from motorists driving Gujarat-registered vehicles in exchange for settling alleged traffic violations without issuing official e-challans.

The video sting, conducted by a vehicle consultant based in Navrangpura, records interactions with police personnel and shows that motorists were threatened with hefty fines and court proceedings before being offered on-the-spot cash settlements.

As shown in the video, the motorists were stopped despite claiming to possess valid vehicle registration certificates, insurance documents, Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates and driving licences. The recordings also raise questions about ‘how vehicles registered in Gujarat were being selectively targeted’ on interstate highways.

In the first incident, Rajasthan Police personnel allegedly stopped the investigator’s car along with two other Gujarat-registered vehicles, claiming that they had entered a one-way route. The investigation alleges that vehicles bearing Rajasthan registration numbers were allowed to pass without similar scrutiny.

During the interaction, a police officer reportedly told the motorist that the fine would have to be paid in court. The driver, however, insisted that an official challan be issued so the penalty could be paid online through the designated system.

The officer allegedly then suggested settling the matter offline for a lower amount. When asked how much would be required, the officer reportedly demanded ₹500, indicating that the amount paid by other motorists could serve as a reference. The officer allegedly assured the driver that the matter would be closed after the payment and no further action would be taken.

In the video, cops can be heard saying that the matter would be closed after the motorist paid ₹500 in cash.

In a second incident, barely two kilometres farther along the same highway, the same vehicle was reportedly stopped again by Rajasthan Police personnel. The officers allegedly cited a speed-limit violation, claiming that the applicable limit was 50 kmph and 30 kmph (for large vehicles) on the stretch.

The investigator questioned the claim, pointing out that the vehicle was travelling on a national highway and that other vehicles, including two-wheelers, appeared to be moving at higher speeds. The officers reportedly referred to speed-limit signs and asked the motorist whether the penalty should be paid online or deposited on the spot.

When the driver offered ₹200, the officer allegedly insisted on ₹500. The officer subsequently claimed that paying the amount locally would settle the matter and cancel the challan.

The two recorded interactions have raised concerns about alleged misuse of traffic enforcement powers and demands for unofficial payments from motorists travelling across state borders.

Advisory for motorists

The investigation also highlights precautions motorists can take when stopped for an alleged traffic violation. Drivers should request an official challan, verify the stated offence and applicable penalty, and use authorised payment channels rather than handing over cash for an unofficial settlement. They should retain any challan or payment receipt and report suspected demands for bribes to the appropriate police or anti-corruption authorities.

Motorists can also enable the Speedometer and Speed Limits features in Google Maps, where available, to help monitor their speed and check displayed speed-limit information. These features should be treated as a reference, and drivers must follow the applicable road signs and legally notified speed limits.

Drivers should review their routes before travelling through unfamiliar areas and follow official road signs, including one-way restrictions. Google Maps’ route preferences, such as avoiding toll roads or motorways, should be selected according to the journey rather than assumed to prevent encounters with enforcement personnel.

The allegations underscore the importance of transparent traffic enforcement and official, documented procedures for issuing and paying fines. DeshGujarat