THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Grade ASI, who was caught on the channel's hidden camera while taking bribes from vehicles transporting sand on the national highway, will have Rs 500 cut from his pension as punishment from the government.

The video and audio of P Ananda of the Highway Patrol Flying Squad of Kasaragod traffic station taking bribes was shown on channels. Ananda, who retired during the investigation, was removed from the accused list and saved from departmental action by reducing his pension by Rs 500.

Ananda was suspended after it was found that bribery by highway patrolmen had created disdain and a lack of trust in the police force among the public and tarnished the image of the force. A departmental investigation proved the offence. After his retirement, the file was sent to the government for disciplinary action. Due to his retirement, he was removed from the list of accused and recommended for investigation by the Vigilance Tribunal and a report was submitted to the court. ASI did not deny the charge in the show cause notice. With this, the advice of the PSC was sought to reduce the pension by Rs.500. The punishment was carried out with the sanction of the commission. Along with this, CV Prakash, Additional Secretary, Home Department issued an order finalizing the disciplinary action.

It is customary in the police to save bribe takers by not filing charges and delaying the investigation. Cases will be delayed using political influence. If an officer is caught accepting bribes, he can join back in service after six months of suspension. Even if charged, it takes 8-10 years to convict. By that time he would have got promoted and retired. Those arrested will be remanded for one week and suspended for one year after which they will join back.