'Extortion' in the name of checking?
Most of the drivers of auto-rickshaws, both the two-stroke three wheelers and the CNG ones, in the port city have to go through an ordeal every day. The on-duty traffic police frequently intercept the auto-rickshaws and sometimes force the passengers to get down in the name of checking documents or searching for criminals. It has been a common practice, especially at city's Jamal Khan and Ghani Bakery intersections, since long. The auto-rickshaw drivers and owners alleged that this is a means of 'extorting' toll from them. Those who do not give in to their demand often faces harassment, they said. Some passengers also accused the police of misbehaviour. On August 2, the auto-rickshaw drivers and owners took out an unprecedented procession of over 200 auto-rickshaws in the city in protest against such harassment. The long caravan had started from in front of the Jamiatul Falah Mosque at Dampara area and ended in front of the CMP headquarters at Laldighi. Later, the leaders of Auto-rickshaw Driver-Owner Oikya Parishad submitted a memorandum to the police commissioner and sought his cooperation. A top-ranking CMP official, however, denied the allegations and said a few cops may be involved in the illegal act, but it would not be fair to put the blame on the entire traffic department.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments