SHILLONG: The General Secretary of FKJGP, Garo Hills Zone, Tura, Raksrang A. Sangma has urged West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Pravin Bakshi to initiate a magisterial inquiry into the recent bus accident which resulted in the killing of four passengers.
In a letter addressed to the Deputy Commissioner, the FKJGP said that it was a matter of concern that illegal transportation of goods in passenger buses was causing risk to the lives of many passengers, in view of the recent accident involving the night bus.
The FKJGP suspected that the accident resulted due to the negligence of the bus driver and its owner owing to the fact that rules are being broken by the bus operators.
The travel agencies are supposed to carry only passengers on their buses, yet, it is frequently seen that the buses carry goods on their rooftops which often exceeds the loading capacity of these vehicles.
“On enquiry it is found out that these buses carry goods for the different businessmen of Tura Town area to help them evade the Credit Sales Tax which the businessmen have to pay for commercial goods entering and exiting the State, as passenger buses are not checked for goods at the Check Gates. There are allegations that even personnel from the Taxation Department are working in cohesion with these businessmen and the travel agencies,” the FKJGP claimed, adding, that only a magisterial inquiry can unravel the alleged nexus between the businessmen, travel agency and the taxation officials.
