Police in Lahore have uncovered a four-member group involved in illegally tampering with traffic signals to create road congestion and earn money through begging.
According to officials, the group operated in the Township area and deliberately disrupted traffic flow to increase their daily income. The plan was exposed after a citizen recorded a video near Muhammad Ali Chowk showing suspicious activity at a traffic signal.
In the video, one person was seen pretending to sell flowers while secretly switching off an electronic traffic signal. This caused vehicles to stop and traffic to build up on the road. Once congestion was created, other members of the group approached drivers and asked for money.
Fayyaz Bhatti confirmed that the gang had been active at several locations in the city. He explained that the group worked in a coordinated way, where one person would disable the signal while others took advantage of the traffic jam to collect cash from motorists.
Police said the suspects were identified and arrested after the video went viral on social media. The footage helped authorities trace their activities and take quick action against them.
Officials added that such actions not only disturb traffic flow but also create safety risks for road users. Sudden congestion can lead to accidents and unnecessary delays for commuters.
Authorities have urged citizens to report similar illegal activities and continue cooperating with law enforcement. They also warned that strict action will be taken against anyone found involved in disrupting traffic systems or exploiting public inconvenience for personal gain.
The investigation is ongoing, and police are checking whether the group was involved in similar incidents in other parts of the city.
