Some weeks ago I was driving my red Omni car through the Richmond Town area, heading towards Domlur. I needed to turn right at Johnson Market-Hosur Road towards Austin Town. It was close to noon and traffic is often sparse at that time of day. The light was green and I followed the other moving vehicles. Suddenly, the traffic from the other side started moving. It was then apparent that the light had turned red for us and I had failed to stop.

I managed to avoid the oncoming vehicles and complete the turn into the right lane, only to see the policeman's waving arm. Oh dear! Now I will be fined! I stopped my car at the road side. The policeman came by and the conversation that followed, all in Kannada, went like this...

Policeman: Licence?

Me: (Opened my wallet and handed over the licence)

Policeman: So you are from this area (my licence has my Richmond Town address on it)

Me: Yes. I'm sorry about what happened.

Policeman: What is this... when there is a lot of traffic on the roads you people jump the lights... when there is no traffic also you are jumping the lights...

Me: Really sorry. I am usually very careful. I did not see the light change.

Policeman: I will have to fine you.

Me: Ok. How much?

Policeman: The charge is jumping the red light and reckless driving. Rs 500.

Me: But you know I was not driving recklessly.

Policeman: The charge is like that.

Me: Ok. I will pay then. (I was feeling terribly bad that I had to forgo Rs 500 but was comforted that I did have Rs 500 in my pocket)

Policeman: What would have happened if the oncoming traffic had hit you? You would have had to go to court... it is all so bothersome...

Me: Yes... I know...

Policeman: I feel bad to take Rs 500 from you. Also, you say that you are usually very careful... Pay Rs 300

Me: Ok... please give me a receipt.

Policeman: There is no charge for Rs 300... so I cannot give a receipt.

Me: You know... I am not in the habit of paying off policemen to get a lesser charge (in hindsight, I sounded as if I was a regular violator). You know I was not driving recklessly, but if you say I have to pay Rs 500 I will pay. Please give me a receipt.

Policeman: Rs 200 ok?

Me: Ok, Rs 200.

Policeman: For Rs 200 also you want a receipt?

Me: Yes.

Policeman: (Looked at me in despair. Returned my licence.) Never mind. Go and don't do things like this again.

No bribe. Conscience clear. My Rs 500 saved!! ⊕

Arathi Manay Yajaman is a resident of JP Nagar.

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