Zerodha co-founder Mr. Nikhil Kamath recently hosted Bengaluru Police Commissioner Mr. B Dayananda (1994-batch IPS Officer) and Joint Commissioner Mr. M.N. Anucheth (2009-batch IPS Officer) on his podcast for a candid conversation about the city’s enduring traffic issues and the contentious VIP culture that affects daily commuters.
Addressing a widely debated concern, Mr. Kamath posed a direct question: “Do police fine politicians when they break a (traffic) signal?” Responding frankly, Commissioner Dayananda admitted that VIPs holding high constitutional offices often receive preferential treatment. He explained that officials such as the Chief Minister, Governor, and Prime Minister are typically granted uninterrupted passage—“Generally, they get the green signal and go,” he said—highlighting the security imperatives behind such arrangements.
Mr. Kamath then raised another crucial point, asking if the list of people enjoying such privileges had grown too long. Joint Commissioner Anucheth responded by stating that preferential treatment is strictly linked to constitutional status and corresponding security protocols, and not extended arbitrarily.
“There are many positions in our government that require a certain level of security, which justifies priority or preferential signalling,” he said.
When asked whether they believed fewer people should receive such treatment, both senior officers unanimously agreed: “Yes, the lesser, the better.”
The discussion struck a chord with listeners, as it shed light on the complex balance between security needs and public inconvenience, especially in a city infamous for its traffic snarls. The podcast not only raised pertinent questions about accountability and fairness, but also showcased the willingness of Bengaluru’s top cops to engage in open dialogue with citizens.
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