Truckers demand CBI probe into highway 'extortion'

Shillong, May 28 (PTI) Alleging that armed men manning illegal check gates along the highways in Meghalaya were extorting money from coal-laden trucks, a truckers body today demanded a CBI inquiry into the menace saying politicians were hand-in-glove with the elements.

"The earlier Congress government had dismantled illegal check gates. But, with the new government headed by Mukul Sangma coming to power, these gates have started mushrooming and forcing truckers to pay Rs 3,200 per truck per trip on NH 62," the North East Truck Owners and Operators Association said in a representation to Governor R S Mooshahary.

"There are more than 29 such illegal toll gates manned by armed people," the association claimed, adding the truckers were forced to pay money without being issued any receipt.

"We believe that there are some politicians who are involved in this extortion," it said, demanding a CBI inquiry into it.