This Rakshabandhan, traffic violators in Gurgaon found that they had an additional set of sisters waiting for them with rakhis, sweets, and a stern lesson in road safety. Female traffic cops from the city were stationed at some of the major crossings in the city, tying rakhis on the wrists of traffic violators on Sunday afternoon, as part of the Surakshabandhan campaign by Road Safety Organisation and Gurugram Traffic Police HAPPY SURAKSHABANDHAN!Over 20 traffic policewomen, assisted by Road Safety Officers and volunteers, conducted the drive at three locations – HUDA City Centre, Mahavir Chowk and IFFCO Chowk. Traffic Constable Mamta, who was posted at HUDA City Centre, said, “We were stopping all those who were driving their cars without seatbelts or two-wheelers without helmets, and instead of issuing them a challan, tying rakhi on their wrist. We made them promise that in the future, they will not violate traffic rules and drive carefully.” The police officials also used the campaign to counsel violators, and if any two-wheeler riders without helmets were stopped with their sisters or wives with them, they were made to apologise. Police officials also asked the women to make their brothers and husbands promise them that they will wear helmets, and also encouraged them to gift them a helmet on Rakshabandhan.Mithai, anyone?Most of the violators who were caught found it quite embarrassing to be counselled and not scolded and challaned by the cops as usually happens. Abhigyan, who was caught driving while texting at HUDA City Centre, said, “I am used to cops scolding and then issuing a challan. This was new, and frankly, very embarrassing. I tried explaining that I was just glancing at my phone to see a missed call, but they sweetly tied a rakhi on my wrist. I had no option but to apologise.” Police officials explained that such drives serve the purpose of spreading awareness about road safety, which is just as important as punishing the violators. Traffic Inspector (East Gurgaon) Jagbir Singh told us, “We need drives like this because people should know that the police not only punishes, but also cares. We have done similar drives around Dussehra and the public’s response has always been good. Spreading awareness is as important as punitive measures.”

Stay updated with all the Latest Gurgaon headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.