Guwahati: Tension prevailed at the Nazirakhat toll gate in Sonapur after local residents and other protesters demonstrated against toll collection, demanding immediate repairs to damaged stretches of the National Highway following a road accident that claimed seven lives.
Police detained Rinku Deka, associated with the Jorabat unit of the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), during the protest on allegations of provoking the protesters.
The protesters reportedly shut down the toll gate and demanded that toll collection be suspended until the damaged portions of the highway are repaired. They questioned the collection of toll fees while several stretches of the highway remained in poor condition.
Toll collection reportedly resumed despite the protest, leading to further resentment among the protesters. They also accused the toll gate authorities and the administration of failing to address their concerns.
A heavy police presence was deployed at the toll gate to maintain law and order and prevent the situation from escalating.
Further investigation is underway to ascertain Deka’s role in the demonstration and the circumstances leading to his detention.
The protesters reiterated their demand for the suspension of toll collection until the necessary repair work on the highway is completed.