150 Oil Tankers Resume Service under Police Escort in Digboi

Our Correspondent

DIGBOI: Following several days of commotions and turmoil among various conflicting groups in and around Digboi Golai-based Terminal, marked by allegations and counter allegations from different quarters over alleged collection of money from the oil tankers, the civil and police administration finally geared up to ensure a safe passage to the stranded oil tankers for their destination.

According to Superintendent of Police Mughdha Jyoti Mahanta, around 150 oil tankers on Thursday night were safely led towards their respective destinations under tight security cover to ensure that no individual or group of individuals could jeopardize the normal state of business amidst the prevailing tense situation. “A tight security cover in the highly inflammable and sensitive area in and around the terminal site has been provided round the clock,” said Mahanta while adding, “anyone found guilty of committing any crime as per CCTV, the footage would be prosecuted as per the law.”

Meanwhile, following the directives of Tinsukia DC and strict vigil by the police, collection of money from a section of the aggrieved drivers of the oil tankers by one Golai Association has been contained and service of providing mandatory gadgets against payment of rupees 200 per truck per trip was also made flexible for the drivers. “We have temporarily withdrawn all our services for the drivers and staff of the tankers near the terminal till the matter is sorted out by dealers associations,” said Santanu Daimari secretary of Golai Association adding, “a section of tanker drivers have now started teasing the local women in the area with the intention of provoking the male counterpart to step in and further worsen the situation.”

On the other hand, a member of Assam Petroleum Mazdoor Union (APMU) had to withdraw the FIR on Thursday which was lodged against four members of Golai Association of physical assault which was subsequently proved to be fake during CCTV footage verification by the police. Meanwhile, as allegations and counter-allegations continue to mount, loading and unloading of petroleum products at several outlets resumed.