Traffic wardens suspended for forcibly taking bananas from vendor in Rawalpindi

The incident was recorded by a passerby that quickly drew public and official attention after going viral

An unusual and controversial action by City Traffic Police wardens in Bank Colony on Dhamial Road, Rawalpindi, has triggered widespread public outrage after a video of an incident went viral on the social media.

The footage shows traffic wardens confiscating bananas from a roadside fruit vendor, raising serious questions about professional conduct and misuse of authority.

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In the video, a fruit seller is seen standing beside his rickshaw loaded with bananas when a uniformed traffic warden approaches, picks up a bunch of bananas, and places it in a nearby government vehicle. Another warden is also seen holding bananas, after which both officials load the fruit into the official car and leave the scene without making any payment to the vendor.

The incident was recorded by a passerby and uploaded on social media which quickly drew public and official attention. Taking immediate notice, Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Farhan Aslam ordered the suspension of Senior Traffic Warden and In-charge Adil, along with Warden-cum-Driver Tasadduq.

Charge sheets were issued and a departmental inquiry was initiated against the accused. According to initial findings, the incident occurred in November during an anti-encroachment drive. The vendor was reportedly asked to remove his rickshaw and was later issued a challan.