A Kolkata Police home guard attached to the Ultadanga traffic guard was arrested on Monday by the state Anti-Corruption Branch over allegations that he collected money in the name of the traffic unit and allowed trucks and lorries to violate restricted traffic rules, Bartaman Patrika reported.
The arrest followed prolonged questioning by investigators. According to the report, the home guard allegedly avoided several questions and could not provide a satisfactory explanation for allowing vehicles to operate on one-way roads and no-entry routes in exchange for money.
The case is linked to the September arrest of Sanjib Nandi, also known as Bappa, who was taken into custody from Howrah by the Anti-Corruption Branch. Investigators alleged that Nandi collected money on behalf of several traffic guards across Kolkata, Howrah, Bidhannagar and Baruipur.
The money was allegedly delivered either in cash or through electronic wallets. In return, trucks and lorries were reportedly allowed to use roads where their movement was restricted by no-entry orders or one-way traffic rules. Such arrangements, if established, would affect not only enforcement but also the management of freight movement on busy urban roads.
The report said that names of multiple officers-in-charge, sergeants, civic volunteers and home guards emerged during Nandi’s questioning. The Anti-Corruption Branch subsequently questioned personnel associated with several Kolkata Police traffic guards.
Investigators reportedly found the Ultadanga home guard’s name on Nandi’s mobile phone. He was called in for questioning on Monday, and investigators presented information about vehicles allegedly permitted to breach one-way and no-entry restrictions after payments were made. They also questioned him about money allegedly sent by Nandi.
According to the report, the home guard effectively acknowledged during questioning that the money was connected to corruption, but remained silent when asked who else had received shares of it. He was arrested after the questioning. The allegations have not been tested in court, and the investigation is continuing.
The inquiry places traffic enforcement personnel and the informal channels through which commercial vehicles move through restricted corridors under scrutiny. The next stage of the investigation is expected to focus on the alleged flow of money and the roles of other personnel named during the probe.
