Frustrated with a traffic policeman who was reportedly collecting excess fine from drivers for petty violations, vendors and public of the Flower Market attempted to stage a road roko in the wee hours of Wednesday.

The incident occurred when a police man allegedly took the keys of a tempo traveller when members of a family from Madurai were alighting. He removed the keys even as the engine was running on the allegation that the goods vehicle was carrying people and was parked at a ‘No Parking’ zone.

“The vehicle stopped for a very brief moment on the roadside and we were alighting even while the engine was running. Yet, the traffic policemen pulled out the key and walked off asking the driver to follow him,” alleged one of the members who was in the vehicle.

A heated argument arose between the driver and the policeman. Onlookers quickly joined the argument alleging that the traffic police was constantly harassing people in the area who used vehicles and collected excess fine.

“Even if a vehicle is stopped for a minute, the police charge a fine of up to Rs. 600 for parking on the roadside,” a person alleged. He further claimed that all type of vehicles, including two-wheelers and other vehicles were heavily fined by policemen.

“They fine even if someone parks their vehicle to attend a phone call and take away the keys,” alleged an onlooker.

The agitated crowd tried staging a road roko in the vicinity, creating a traffic jam for a brief moment. However, police officials who arrived at the scene pacified them and they moved away.

Denying allegations, police sources said that they were levying fining only from people who did not abide by the law and not from everyone.