Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Apr 17: The fact that a police sub-inspector jumped over the fare collection gates of the metro station at Dasarahalli here to prove the he is powerful and immune to law that governs others, has come into the open with delay. The sub-inspector not only showed his arrogance to jump the gates but also posed a challenge to the metro staff to impose fine on him.

This incident is about two-week old. This also makes one to recollect an incident which happened some days ago, in which a Bangalore Metro Transport Corporation bus conductor was harassed after he refused free travel to a woman constable who was not in uniform.

In the light of Rahul Gandhi's visit, two lady constables had arrived at Dasarahalli to undertake security checks at the metro station there. After they reached near the station on March 31, they sought free entry but their request was refused. They then bought tokens and went in. After completing their work, they returned to go out after about an hour. However, they were asked to pay fine of Rs 100.

Visibly angry, the two lady constables came back the next day with a police sub-inspector. The sub-inspector demanded from the metro staff the reason for imposing fine on the police staff. Although the metro employees tried to pacify him by justifying their action, giving reasons ad citing rules, the sub-inspector started shouting at them, the onlookers said.

As per the rules in force, people who return to exist gates after an hour since their entry are compelled to pay fine of Rs 100 irrespective of whether they used metro services or not. Sources said that the sub-inspector told the metro staff that he is e free to enter the station whenever he wants. It is said that even though the station controller tried to convince him about the rules, the sub-inspector did not pay heed and jumped over the collection gates. Once he entered inside, he dared the metro staff to penalize him. The policeman's audacity came as a surprise for the commuters whereas the metro staff were stunned.

The metro staff all through told the sub-inspector about the rules prevailing. A metro official said that free entry into metro stations can be obtained from the operational control centre at Byappanahalli metro station. As per rules, police do not have free access into metro stations. However, in cases like chasing a fugitive or something, they are not stopped. The sub-inspector jumped the gate to show that the police cannot be stopped or questioned by anyone.

Senior officials of Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd said they are not aware of the incident and that they will look into it. They said that like metro staff, police too work for the convenience of the general public and hence the two departments should cooperate and coordinate with each other.