A Gurugram traffic cop took Rs 1,000 from a Japanese tourist in the name of a “fine” for not wearing a helmet. The cop did not issue a receipt nor allow a card payment, apparently pocketing the entire amount. What he didn’t realise, however, was that the tourist was wearing Meta smart glasses and recording the entire exchange.

‘Rs 1,000 fine for helmet’

The incident came to light when the tourist, who goes by the handle “@yamato_rwf”, shared the video online and claimed that he was forced to pay the fine because he was a “foreigner”. 

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“While riding a bike without a helmet in India, I got fined 1000 rupees (1700 yen). Local people don’t get in trouble for not wearing a helmet, but I, as a foreigner and the Northeast Indian gal, didn’t look local, so we probably got targeted,” the man wrote on X (formerly Twitter). 

He added, “Even when I asked to pay by card or for a ticket, they said it’s impossible, so according to the Indian gal, it was apparently the police making some pocket money.” 

The now-viral video opens to show the cop saying, “Rs 1,000 fine for helmet,” as he gestures towards his head. The man then confirms the amount and asks if he should pay via cash or tap his card. 

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The cop, in broken English, then asks him if he could pay the amount here or would like to settle it in court. 

The tourist then asked the cop if he could use the visa touch, which he denied, and asked him to pay the amount in cash. The video then shows the tourist handing over two crisp Rs 500 notes. 

Gurugram cop suspended

When Gurugram Police came across the video, they took cognisance of the matter and forwarded it to the concerned authorities for necessary action. 

Shortly after that, the cop who was caught red-handed taking bribes was suspended. Gurugram traffic police shared the update, saying that they follow “zero tolerance against corruption”. 

“In line with our commitment to transparency and accountability, DCP Traffic, Gurugram, has taken immediate action. Suspended with immediate effect: ZO ESI Karan Singh; Ct Shubham; and HGH Bhupender. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in public service,” the traffic police said.