Magistrate flags traffic police for not knowing traffic laws

26 February 2014 02:14 am - 18 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Puttalam Magistrate Ranga Dissanayake reprimanded the police when a suspect who stood charged with a traffic offence successfully cross-examined the police and defended himself.

The Magistrate said the police often produced suspects charged with traffic offences on the assumption that they would plead guilty and pay the fine imposed.

Mohamed Baskhan Ahmed Farouk, a resident of Nikaweratiya, was recently charged by the Pallama Police for using a cellular phone while driving a lorry. A significant feature of the case was that the suspect who defended himself and cross examined the police was acquitted of all charges.

“It is a misconception that a police statement is adequate to find a suspect guilty of an offence. Police officers who use their powers and take action against suspects are not prepared to accept any other plea other than that of being guilty. They are motivated by one thing and one thing only; to file as many cases as possible. The evidence of the Pallama Police OIC and the other officers clearly indicated their lack of knowledge in the law. It was obvious from the evidence they gave that police officers caused inconvenience to the public for want of knowledge in the legal implications of their action. The statements made by the OIC and other police officers under cross examination by the suspect clearly indicated their poor knowledge in traffic regulations,” the Magistrate said. (Upali Ananda)

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Comments - 18

Mahanama Wednesday, 26 February 2014 04:11 AM

Hats off to the magistrate mainly for talking the truth. But motorists also should try to follow the law. We have seen clumsy careless drivers drive while talking on mobile.

dr ceylon Thursday, 27 February 2014 03:11 PM

great example.thois jentleman is a good example for the rights to fighjt for citizen rights against power abusers..

mahinda Thursday, 27 February 2014 12:01 AM

Congratulations. All traffic cops must be punished for embarrassing the poor public.

Dayawathie Wednesday, 26 February 2014 09:33 AM

Stay tuned. This brave man will be harassed by the Police in the future.

Mendis Aiya Wednesday, 26 February 2014 07:15 AM

Though he may have driven a lorry, he certainly must be an educated and a courageous person. Well done Mr. Farouk.

Shenesh Wednesday, 26 February 2014 05:51 AM

even the police website is last updated in 2011.. how can they expect a traffic cop to be up to date..

Yuri Wednesday, 26 February 2014 05:27 AM

This is not traffic policing , it's a mafia biz. They stand every two KM , I in Switzerland since one week and driving all over and seen only once a police Car

TRUTH Wednesday, 26 February 2014 04:57 AM

Hats Off ......
Hope the nightmare faced by the motorists will be reduced soon with this incident. We are all know that the police was wrong in many cases but conveniently bribe them or pay a fine and get on with our work.

But think for a moment, we did and they expect same from others... We did because we had those extra cash in hand, but what about thousands of motorists who dont have money to bribe them...?????

Thanks Bakshan..

Baskhan Ahmed Farouk Wednesday, 26 February 2014 04:14 AM

I said " i don't remember whether i used a mobile phone while driving"

zuh Wednesday, 26 February 2014 07:48 AM

well done mr bakshan bravoo via DM Android App

Jayantha J Wednesday, 26 February 2014 03:59 AM

The Police only knows to take Rs.500 or 1000 for trafiic offences without issuing a infringement.

Ravi Gunawardana Wednesday, 26 February 2014 03:34 AM

So, how did this guy defend himself?

Weerawansa Wednesday, 26 February 2014 03:21 AM

Mr. Farouk you are a hero !!

san Wednesday, 26 February 2014 02:58 AM

interesting

fuzzy Wednesday, 26 February 2014 07:59 AM

Congrats to the brave man. Many of us know the irresponsible and high handed behaviour of some traffic police officers. via DM Android App

Kudda Wednesday, 26 February 2014 02:24 AM

Excellent!

M.Muttha Wednesday, 26 February 2014 07:54 AM

Hurrah for the magistrate and courageous driver who defended himself. Good lesson for the educated motorists who accept the Traffic Policeman's words and accept spot fines to avoid going to the courts. Knowing the weaknesses of the motorists Traffic Cops take the law unto themselves to harass innocent motorists. via DM iPad app

Spitfire Wednesday, 26 February 2014 02:23 AM

At last law prevails in the correct manner!

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Magistrate flags traffic police for not knowing traffic laws

Comments - 18

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