KATHMANDU: In one of the worst excesses, a helper of a microbus physically assaulted a female traffic police officer on duty. Keshav Thapa (20), hailing from Dhading and currently residing at Kapan had physically assaulted traffic policewoman Som Kumari Paija Magar who was clearing the road at Sundhara for President Dr Ram Baran Yadav’s motorcade.

The helper reportedly kicked her after she requested him to relocate his vehicle, according to Metropolitan Traffic Police Division.

Magar, whose posting is in Thapathali Traffic Police, was deployed in Sundhara area that fateful day.

President Yadav was on his way to attend the Ghode Jatra in Tundikhel. Scores of traffic cops were also deployed in and adjoining areas to ensure smooth vehicular movement for the VIPs.

After noticing a stationary microbus (Ba 1 Ja 8828), Magar urged Thapa to relocate it elsewhere. But the latter would not listen. When insisted, he kicked her, police said, adding that the man was immediately referred to Metropolitan Police Range, Hanumandhoka for action as per the law.

What transpired immediately after the incident was that the lawbreaker faced the music of passersby. He was, however, rescued by a squad of police from being seriously injured.

DIG Binod Singh, in-charge, MTPD said the offender was accused of manhandling a police official in uniform who was on duty.

“Traffic police personnel are meant for enforcing the law on the road. They aren’t meant to be kicked by motorists,” he argued.

“MPR has filed a charge against him in District Administration Kathmandu under Public Offenses Act,” said an official.