Hit-and-run: Don’t take unnecessary risks,cops told

“The unfortunate incident prompted us to think about what could be done to protect policemen on the roads. The victim,who had recently got married,was a probationary officer. She appeared for the police recruitment examination along with her husband,but only she managed to pass the exam. Sadly,having just joined the police force,she is now in an extremely critical state after being injured in the line of duty,” said a senior police officer,who did not wish to be named.

“Three separate incidents in which policemen on duty were injured in accidents have caused much concern. There is a need to send out a strong message to all our men that they should not,in usual circumstances,try and stop speeding vehicles at the risk of their lives. It would be wiser for them to note down the registration number of the vehicle,so that action can be taken against the errant driver later. Clear instructions to this effect are being given to policemen on nakabandi duty,” said the officer.

Policemen are also being instructed to ensure adequate safeguards,such as fluorescent jackets and batons,and position themselves properly at barricade points.

Police Commissioner Arup Patnaik said,“These recent incidents present a very serious issue that needs to be addressed immediately. Certain mandatory precautions will be institutionalised henceforth. The life of every policeman is precious and they should not take unnecessary risks.”

Last Tuesday,a woman constable was injured when a speeding truck rammed into her scooter on the Sion-Panvel highway near the Sion Circle. S P Tambe,posted at the Nehru Nagar police station in Kurla (West),was rushed to Sion Hospital where she succumbed to injuries. The driver escaped from the spot,but was nabbed by the police the same day.

On Saturday,traffic constable Pramod Patil (34) was injured when a speeding car hit him near the Bandra-Worli Sea Link.