Police mamu - 1

This was my first encounter with bengaluru's traffic cops actually a couple of years back.

The first time I had been to IISc on my then new Bajaj Avenger to meet my friends there, I had found myself in a 'situation'. As you come out of the IISc main gate to head towards malleshwaram, you'll find the traffic signals confusing. It will take sometime to figure out which traffic signal be followed. Who ever has been to IISc would definitely understand what I am talking about. In such cases I follow this rule - just follow the main traffic instead! I followed the main traffic. But the lady luck deceived me this time around...

I was the last one among the main traffic to cross the signal and the first one to be caught by the cop alleging me to have violated the signal. He made me wait for 5-10 minutes (which actually felt like half an hour then :)) before he actually 'attended' me as he was busy attending other 'offenders'. As he questioned me and noted my registration number, I tried to explain him how confusing the signal was and how new I was to bengaluru in general and IISc in particular etc. While we were negotiating the 'fine' I felt that having a cruiser bike can actually hurt you as you are seen as a 'bade baap ke bigde beta' (forgive the grammer) by the cops!! He even threatened me that he'll inform my father by sending a notice to my house. He somehow had assumed that I was still a student and my father had bought me the bike. Anyway I didn't want to clarify him as he would have charged more 'fine' to an IT professional. He started with 200 bucks and finally demanded 100 bucks. I told him that I didn't have enough money and my girlfriend was waiting near Sampige theatre (the one near malleshwaram 1st cross - see the knowledge of movie theatres help at times :)) to watch movie with me and that she'll be disappointed if I didn't go with enough money to buy tickets ;-) I had brought appropriate expressions on my face to gain sympathy. He somehow was completely convinced at my 'frank' and 'genuine' excuse and finally agreed upon 50% discount at 50 bucks. That still remains the lowest 'fine' that I have paid the traffic cops at b'luru. Thanks to my imaginary girlfriend. I owe her a treat for that :)