HT Correspondent
GOSSAIGAON, Feb 9: Tension prevailed at the Telipara tollgate in Gossaigaon on Monday following allegations of illegal collection of money from goods-carrying vehicles, leading to clashes, injuries to several truck drivers and a prolonged disruption of traffic along National Highway-27.
According to sources, tollgate staff, allegedly with the support of a group of local miscreants, had been demanding unauthorised payments from truck drivers, particularly those entering Assam from other states.
Related Posts:
Drivers alleged that money was forcibly collected on various pretexts, including claims of excess load, and that those who resisted were threatened and assaulted.
The situation escalated when a truck driver reportedly refused to pay the demanded amount and was allegedly assaulted by tollgate personnel and accompanying individuals.
Several truck drivers, including those from Bihar and Gossaigaon, sustained injuries in the incident.
Eyewitnesses claimed physical force was used to intimidate drivers and compel them to make payments.
Truck drivers further alleged that police personnel from Gossaigaon police station were present at the site but did not intervene or assist the injured.
They accused tollgate staff of bribing local police, leading to inaction despite the violent nature of the incident.
These allegations have raised concerns over police accountability and law enforcement at the tollgate.
In protest against the alleged extortion, assault and police inaction, agitating drivers parked their vehicles in front of the tollgate, resulting in a complete blockade of National Highway-27.
The protest caused massive traffic congestion and inconvenience to commuters and transport operators for several hours.
The protesters demanded immediate action against those involved in the alleged illegal collection and assault, and called for a fair and impartial inquiry into the alleged role or negligence of police personnel present during the incident.
Following the escalation, senior police officials rushed to the spot and held discussions with the agitating drivers.
Police assured appropriate action, after which the situation was brought under control and vehicular movement along the highway was gradually restored.
Till the filing of this report, no official statement had been issued by the tollgate authorities.
The incident has renewed concerns among transport workers and local residents over alleged harassment at tollgates, with calls for stricter enforcement of norms and greater transparency to prevent such incidents in the future.
