Trucker alleges extortion, assault at illegal toll gate

SHILLONG, April 28: The Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners and Drivers Association (MCTO&DA) has given a one-month deadline to the district administration to take action against miscreants who assaulted a truck driver recently at the Ladmiri toll gate at Mairang in Eastern West Khasi Hills after he refused to pay extortion money.
The truck driver identified as John Richard Syiemlieh was allegedly assaulted on April 6 after he refused to pay Rs 400 to the people manning the toll gate.
Addressing reporters on Thursday, MCTO&DA adviser, Joannes Lamare said they will be forced to take up the matter with the higher authorities if the district administration fails to act against the extortionists within the given deadline.
Narrating the episode, Syiemlieh said, “On reaching the toll gate at Ladmiri I paid Rs 200 but the people manning the toll gate demanded another Rs 400 from me. When I refused to pay they pelted stones one of which hit me and I lost consciousness. The vehicle hit a retaining wall. But I escaped unhurt,” the truck driver said.
The MCTO&DA adviser said it was a clear case of extortion by those manning the toll gates.
He pointed out that the incident at Ladmiri toll gate was proof that the KHADC had demanded as evidence from the Association when they had, earlier, spoken about the extortion.
He disclosed that he had written to the Ministry of Roads, Transport and Highways and the ministry replied that it had not authorised the District Councils to set up toll gates and check gates along the national highways.