Traffic cop hurt in biker’s fleeing act in central Kolkata
Times of India | 29 May 2025
Kolkata: A traffic sergeant was badly injured when a motorcyclist crashed through a police checkpoint before fleeing in a bid to avoid inspection in central Kolkata early Saturday morning, police said.Dipak Bairagi of Jorabagan Traffic Guard suffered a fractured wrist, multiple injuries to his lower body and also head injuries during routine vehicle checks at CR Avenue-Ramdulal Sarkar Street crossing at about 2am due to the biker's reckless act.As per police reports, the biker was riding north on CR Avenue toward Shyambazar when he spotted the police naka and, in an apparent attempt to evade inspection, took an illegal U-turn, driving against oncoming traffic in the wrong lane toward Esplanade. He abandoned his motorcycle, which bears registration number 153-26BY-261, on the spot after the collision and ran away. Sources said he was rounded up and interrogated but yet to be arrested."When I signalled the rider to stop near Adwitya Mullick Lane, he accelerated and crashed into the guardrail. The impact caused the barrier to collapse onto my left knee, and I fell to the ground," said Sergeant Bairagi. Fellow officers rushed him to Ruby General Hospital, where he is being treated.Three similar cases, in which officers were injured while attempting to stop traffic violators, were reported last month.The motorcycle was recovered and transferred to Girish Park police station for further investigation. "We are examining CCTV footage and also tracking the motorcycle's registration details to identify its owner," said a police official.This incident highlights the challenges traffic police officers face while performing their duties. It also sparked concerns about increasing violence against traffic personnel in the city. Police urged anyone with information about the incident to contact Girish Park police station, the traffic control room, or Jorabagan Traffic Guard. Charges against the suspect include assault on a police officer, reckless driving, and fleeing the scene of an accident, officials said.