Imphal: Manipur police thwarted an attempt at illegal tax collection on the state highway, arresting a 28-year-old man in a targeted operation in Bishnupur district on Saturday.
The suspect, identified as Chabungbam Bishworjit Singh, was apprehended along with a challan book clearly labeled as “ULF entry tax.”
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Acting on intelligence input, indicating that individuals were extorting money from transporters and drivers of gold-laden vehicles plying on the state highway, a team from the Bishnupur district police station laid a trap.
The operation, which spanned two hours, resulted in the arrest of Singh and the seizure of the challan book detailing rates for heavy vehicles (Rs 2,000), light heavy vehicles (Rs 500), and four-wheelers (Rs 500). While Singh was apprehended, some of his accomplices managed to flee.
The arrest and seizure were made on the Old Cachar Road (Tongjei Maril) in Bishnupur district.
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Following numerous complaints from transporters, including the BPCL Transporters’ Association, Dealer Fraternity, and Akhil Bhartiya Transport Association, Manipur police have intensified efforts to curb the practice of illegal tax collection on state and national highways within the state, said an official.
Private transporters recently submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister highlighting the exorbitant illegal taxes imposed on petroleum tankers operating on the Imphal-Jiribam highway.
According to the memorandum, each tanker is subjected to illegal taxes exceeding Rs 6,000, a significant increase from the pre-crisis rate of Rs 500.
This extortion is believed to generate over Rs 2 crore per month and approximately Rs 22 crore annually from petroleum tankers alone.