Police seek free BMTC bus travel for plainclothes personnel on duty

The Karnataka State Police has requested the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) to extend free travel in ordinary and Vayu Vajra/limited-stop services to police personnel performing duties in plain clothes, citing operational and security concerns.

The request was made by T. Sridhara, Deputy Inspector-General of Police (Headquarters), to the BMTC Managing Director. According to the communication, plainclothes personnel deployed in intelligence, crime investigation, the Central Crime Branch (CCB), the Anti-Narcotics Wing, VIP and ministerial security, and other specialised units are required to move across the city discreetly while tracking suspects, gathering intelligence, tailing accused persons, and monitoring criminal and anti-social activities.

The police department said these officers often face difficulties when conductors insist on tickets, leading to arguments that can expose their identity and compromise covert operations. It noted that revealing their identity while on duty could hamper investigations and even endanger personnel engaged in sensitive assignments.