Traffic warden faces action over altercation

Viral video shows alleged mistreatment of motorcyclist by car occupants

RAWALPINDI:

Rawalpindi Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Farhan Aslam took notice of a video that went viral on social media showing occupants of a luxury car allegedly mistreating a motorcyclist in the city.

He issued a show-cause notice to a traffic warden who was present at the scene, seeking an explanation as to why he failed to inform the district police about the incident.

The motorist seen in the viral video, who is a lawyer, has also issued a clarification on Facebook and in response to contact by The Express Tribune, saying the video presented a one-sided version of the incident.

According to Advocate Mehran Ejaz Anwar Chaudhry, he had gone to Saddar with his family and children for shopping, while his car was parked on Haider Road. He claimed that while his children were getting into the vehicle, a motorcyclist approached at high speed and struck the same door through which the children were boarding.

Chaudhry said the motorcyclist left the scene instead of stopping. He claimed that some time later, during a traffic jam at Haider Chowk, the same motorcyclist allegedly approached from the wrong side of the road and struck the car again.

According to the lawyer, the traffic warden present at the scene attempted to stop the motoXrcyclist, following which an exchange of heated words took place between the two sides.

He said the motorcyclist behaved rudely and acted provocatively, prompting him to reprimand him. However, Chaudhry said, he later decided to show clemency and allowed the motorcyclist to leave without taking legal action.

The lawyer expressed regret over the circulation of what he described as a one-sided video on social media and apologised to members of his community.

According to police, the incident occurred in the Saddar area of Rawalpindi after a motorcyclist allegedly struck the car on different occasions and left the scene, leading to a heated exchange between the two sides.

The viral video shows the car occupant and his companion allegedly behaving aggressively towards the motorcyclist and raising their hands against him. A traffic warden can also be seen at the scene.

Police sources said the traffic warden was returning to Police Lines after completing his duty when he noticed the situation between the two parties on the road. He moved both vehicles to the side of the road.

After the video went viral, CTO Aslam took notice of the incident and issued a show-cause notice to the traffic warden for failing to inform the district police despite witnessing the alleged altercation between the two parties on the road.