The tragic death of Joshi Babu, a 40-year-old carpenter from Balanagar, Hyderabad, has sparked widespread outrage and brought to light the urgent need for systemic reforms in how vehicle checks are conducted by traffic police. On April 13, 2025, Joshi Babu lost his life after allegedly being pulled by his collar by a traffic constable during a vehicle check, causing him to lose control of his bike and fall under an RTC bus.

Witnesses at the scene claim that after the fatal accident, the body of Joshi Babu lay unattended on the road for nearly 20 minutes, with no immediate ambulance called. When local residents gathered to protest this negligence, the situation escalated further, with reports of lathi charges to disperse the crowd. This series of missteps underscores a larger systemic failure that urgently needs to be addressed.

What Went Wrong?

1. Excessive Use of Force:
   Attempting to physically grab a moving motorist is not only unsafe but also against basic traffic enforcement protocols. Physical intervention should always be a last resort, especially when it can endanger lives.
2. Lack of Immediate Medical Response:
   Timely medical help could save lives even after severe accidents. The delay in calling an ambulance reveals a shocking gap in emergency response.
3. Poor Crowd Management:
   Instead of calming the grieving and angry community, the reported use of force by the police only intensified the situation, creating mistrust and fear among citizens.

What Needs to Change?

1. Strict Enforcement Protocols:
   Police officers should be trained to follow non-confrontational methods during vehicle checks. Clear guidelines must prohibit physically stopping vehicles, especially in traffic-heavy areas.
2. Emergency Medical Training:
   Every traffic checkpoint should have a rapid medical response plan. Officers should be equipped to call ambulances immediately and provide basic first aid if necessary.
3. Use of Technology for Checks:
   Automated systems like ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras should be used to identify vehicles with pending challans, minimizing direct confrontations.
4. Accountability and Transparency:
   Body cameras for traffic police can help ensure transparency and protect both citizens and officers. Every action can be reviewed if disputes arise.
5. Public Awareness and Sensitization:
   Regular public advisories on how vehicle checks will be conducted can foster better cooperation between citizens and law enforcement.

Why Immediate Action is Critical

If incidents like the one in Balanagar are not taken seriously, they risk eroding the public’s trust in the very systems meant to protect them. Loss of life due to negligence or excessive force cannot be normalized. If we fail to implement corrective measures now, the gap between the public and the police will only widen, leading to more unrest, fear, and avoidable tragedies.

Joshi Babu’s death must serve as a wake-up call. Real reform, not just apologies, is the need of the hour.

In memory of Joshi Babu, and in the interest of public safety, we must act now to ensure no family suffers this loss again.