A sub-inspector of police allegedly imposed a fine of Rs 300 on a driver of a four-wheeler for not wearing helmet in the city on Thursday night.

Sources said Sankaranarayanan, the SI attached to the Karunya Nagar Police Station who was on patrol, stopped the mini load vehicle near Alandurai and checked the documents driver Karunagaran (40) had. The documents being proper, the cop allegedly told the driver that he would not let him go without having a case registered against him. “He then insisted the driver to pay Rs 100 for him and Rs 200 for the station as bribe saying he was not wearing helmet,”sources claimed.

When the driver asked him back why should he wear a helmet when he was driving a four-wheeler and not riding a bike and refused to pay bribe, the young police official was irritated. He reportedly threatened to book Karunagaran for preventing him from discharging his duty and arrest him. The cop also slapped the driver, forcibly took Rs 300 from his pocket and gave him an acknowledgement receipt for imposing fine, sources said.

On coming to know about the incident, activists attached to the Social Awareness Movement have planned to launch a mock signature campaign recommending President’s medal for the SI for his alleged action.

When contacted, Karunya Nagar police denied the allegations levelled against the SI.