12 coal-laden trucks seized by Digboi MLA

From our Correspondent

DIGBOI, July 12: “When others fail, I rise to fulfill the aspirations of the people of my constituency and do not hesitate to crackdown upon mece in any form at any time for the sake of my people,” said Suren Phukon, the MLA of Digboi, while addressing media persons on Wednesday, while rrating the incident that led to the seizure of 12 coal-laden trucks on Wednesday morning on NH-38 at Tingrai under Digboi Police station in Tinsukia district.

The registration apprehended trucks under Digboi police stations were HR 55 Q 6317, AS 01 U 3323, UP15 80- 9375, UP15 CT 3725, AS01DD 1957, WB41 G 8638, AS17B 6705, AS01 GC 0254, AS01BC 9274,BR06 GB6811, BR06GB 3399 and BR 06 GB 3386.

According to Phukon, based on public complaint centering on alleged illegal transportation of coal through Digboi town, he landed on NH-38 early on Wednesday morning and after prolonged chase from Goali to Tingrai, filly held 12 trucks loaded with coal, which according to him was illegally procured without valid documents, infringing the transportation provisions amounting to over-loading offence. Not so confident in expressing the pros and cons relating to coal trade, Phukan, who was reported of similar conduct earlier also in cattle trade, said that some trucks did not have proper documents and some had evaded government taxes. Meanwhile,

assuring to continue with the crusade against such  illegal activities, the MLA said that the matter had been brought to the notice of Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal, who lauded him for the work and inspired him to keep working for the people.

Underlining the alleged nexus of the illegal coal traders with police personnel and officials, the MLA said that thorough investigation was being carried out to this effect by the local police

and all departments concerned to check the grounds for offence. According to him, around 40

to 50 illegal coal-laden vehicles ply daily through Digboi from Ledo-Margherita road and Bordumsa Pegree Road, mysteriously crossing various police check-gates.

“There must be involvement of some police officials. As such, the Chief Minister also wants a high-level inquiry into the affair,” added Phukon.

Meanwhile, Mugdha Jyoti Mahanta, the Superintendent of Police, told The Sentinel, “Let anyone prove with specific evidence portraying the  involvement of any police personnel or officials in the alleged illegal coal trade across the district, law will take its own stringent course immediately whosoever the person or persons, cutting across party affiliations.”

When asked about the status of the apprehended trucks and their drivers, Mahanta said that investigation was being carried out on all alleged aspects and the defaulters if found, would

be treated as per law, adding, “The police department in Tinsukia district will not act as per the dictates of anyone with perverted design.”