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The Hyderabadi katmals are omnipresent spread across the nook and corner of the city. Unlike the usual Katmals( bed bugs) which suck our blood at night, Hyderabadi Katmals being from a different race do the same work in daytime. This might cost you just anywhere between Rs.50-500.

Katmal... wondering what? This  is nothing but a friendly pseudonym for the Hyderabadi Traffic Policemen as given by an aam Hyderabadi. It is but quite obvious that one just cannot help seeing them at every other junction of the city, especially towards the end of the month.

Here is a typical conversation of the incident as a bakhra falls prey to a katmal :

Katmal: Roko roko (taking the keys off from the vehicle)
Bakhra: Janedijiye saab, thode jaldi mein hain
Katmal:Chalo chalo Licence dikhao...(with a "no way" expression)
Bakhra: Yelo Saab(with a "Yes, I have it " look)
Katmal: (disappointed) Teek hain.Insurance Kahan hai? 
Bakhra: Yelloo Saab(with a teasing smile)
Katmal: Pollution Check hai kya???
Bakhra: Nahi hai saab (with a sheepish look)
Katmal: Gaadi side me rakho aur Inspector ke paas chalo...
Bakhra: Suno saab, yehin par settle karinge na
Katmal: Teek hai phir, 300 rupya nikalo
Bhakra: Utna nahi hai saab
Katmal: Teek hai chalo 200 nikalo
Bhakra: Saab bilkul nahi hai
Katmal: Aabe chal inspector ke paas
Bhakra: Saab toda adjust kar lona 
Katmal: Teek hai 100 rupya nikal
Bhakra: Saab mere pareeshani samjho
Katmal: Aare bahut ho gaya.Chal abhi challan likhata hu..
Bhakra: Teek hai saab yeh 50 rupya rakhlo, mere pas itna hi hain
Katmal: (Finally pockets it) Kya Zamana aagaya..Chal ab phut le.

And he whistles to stop another bakhra.

This is pretty much true to the Hyderabadi traffic policemen. And indeed what a sight it is when someone breaks a signal! There could be, however a way out for those with an influential backing. The Hyderabadi youth of course is not new to this... in fact they are the ones who can better comment on this.

Pretty much to the contrary, sometimes, the traffic police may also straight away write a challan without trying to persuade. That's no need to panic. They haven't changed a bit but the situations have. The bare fact could be that they are to make up their minimum number of cases and eventually those who fall prey to such Policemen on a target spree just cannot help paying the challan amount.

These traffic police however deserve their bit of appreciation for all the right things they do. Helping old people and children cross the roads is a routine for them. Inspite of all those difficulties like working in the scorching heat of Hyderabadi summers and the drenching rainy seasons, they still are seen guiding the chaotic traffic of the road, while we drive away in our A/C cars. Worst of all is their being the "exposed lot" to the pollution, which often ruins their health. So, be it need or greed we would love to call them Hyderabadi katmals!