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After crackdown on gangs extorting traffic cops in Delhi, Special CP asks officers to report blackmail attempts

On Wednesday, the police said that they had arrested five men in connection with the syndicate, adding that the two gangs had acquired crores of rupees from commercial vehicle drivers and by blackmailing traffic police personnel.

After crackdown on gangs extorting traffic cops in Delhi, Special CP asks officers to report blackmail attemptsThese instructions were issued during a meeting chaired by Special CP Thakur on December 4.

In the wake of police busting two gangs involved in extorting traffic police personnel, Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Neeraj Thakur has encouraged officers to report blackmail attempts by individuals.

To this effect, the Special CP has instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) to hold Sampark Sabhas—formal meetings led by senior police officers to address the grievances of junior personnel—to motivate officers to come forward and report any attempts to extort money from them.

These instructions were issued during a meeting chaired by Special CP Thakur on December 4.

On Wednesday, the police said that they had arrested five men in connection with the syndicate, adding that the two gangs had acquired crores of rupees from commercial vehicle drivers and by blackmailing traffic police personnel. The first arrests in the case were made in the last week of November.

The probe revealed that the accused were actively running parallel systems. One gang sold fake stickers to commercial vehicle drivers for Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000 per month to bypass entry-point restrictions, while another extorted money from traffic police personnel by fabricating videos of them performing their duties.

According to police, officers are also probing the role of some Traffic Inspectors (TIs) who allegedly assisted the gang and even took a share of the extorted money.

The meeting also included discussions on ensuring minimum inconvenience to the general public during VIP movements. The Special CP directed that traffic should be halted only for the minimum duration necessary for security arrangements.

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After weak signal areas were reported in several districts despite operational DTM networks, senior traffic officers were asked to visit these “blank spots” and reassess wireless set requirements, prioritizing major junctions.

Additionally, the Special CP instructed officers to ensure that bus drivers halt their vehicles only at designated bus bays.

Under the directions issued, TIs were asked to continue reporting to their respective traffic circles by 8 am, while DCP’s were instructed to mandatorily conduct field visits daily after 5 pm.

Sakshi Chand is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in New Delhi. With over a decade of experience in investigative journalism, she is a leading voice on crime, the prison system, and institutional governance in the National Capital. Professional Background Specialization: Her reporting focus includes high-stakes crime, national security, prison reforms, and traffic governance. Key Coverage: She has been on the frontlines of major events such as the 2G spectrum case, the 2020 North-East Delhi riots, and communal clashes across Uttar Pradesh (Kasganj, Aligarh). Earlier Career: Before joining The Indian Express, she was a reporter for The Times of India. Personal Interests: Outside of her career in journalism, Sakshi is a National-level basketball player and coach, bringing a unique sporting discipline to her professional life. Major Recent Coverage (Late 2025) Her reporting in the latter half of 2025 has been dominated by a major terror investigation and administrative accountability: 1. The Red Fort Blast Investigation Throughout November and December 2025, Sakshi led the coverage of a car explosion near Delhi's Red Fort: Forensic Breakthroughs: She reported on the use of TATP and ammonium nitrate in the IED and identified the shops where raw materials were sourced (Nov 14-16, 2025). The "i20 Route": She meticulously tracked the journey of the vehicle used in the blast, tracing it to a Pulwama-based resident who entered Delhi via the Badarpur toll plaza (Nov 12, 2025). Victim Support: She recently reported on the Delhi Police providing a list of damaged vehicle owners to the Finance Ministry to expedite insurance claims for those caught in the blast (Dec 4, 2025). 2. Crime & Police Accountability "Crackdown on Extortion Gangs": In December 2025, she reported on a syndicate that was blackmailing traffic cops. Following five arrests, the Special CP directed officers to report all such attempts (Dec 12, 2025). "Corruption in the Ranks": She covered the arrest of five Delhi Police personnel by the Vigilance branch following a wave of public complaints (May 19, 2025). Cold Cases & International Murders: She has extensively tracked the case of a man who allegedly killed his wife in London and fled to India, reporting on his "Proclaimed Offender" status and the denial of his anticipatory bail (May 2025). 3. Governance & Public Policy "13,000 Homes for 90,000 Cops": A data-driven feature on why the majority of Delhi Police personnel are forced to live on rent despite the city's housing projects (May 4, 2025). Traffic Decongestion: Using her interest in urban logistics, she detailed how the Traffic Police eased congestion on Vikas Marg by switching off signals and creating U-turns (April 2, 2025). Signature Style Sakshi Chand is known for a data-driven and investigative approach. She frequently uses forensic reports, CCTV analysis, and administrative data to go beyond the "official version" of a crime story. Her work in prison reporting is particularly noted for highlighting the legal and humanitarian conditions of foreign detention centers and local jails. ... Read More

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