2 hrs ago
Bengal Fish Traders Allege Harassment, Extortion Along Jharkhand Border
Fish sellers from West Bengal say their trucks are facing trouble in Jharkhand.
They claim the trucks are stopped soon after crossing the border.
The traders say people demand large amounts of money from the drivers.
They also say drivers who do not pay may be threatened or attacked.
The traders allege that some fish were spoiled using poisonous substances.
They say about seven trucks carrying fish worth around Rs 18 lakh were affected.
A police complaint has been filed about the alleged incidents.
The traders plan to meet Fisheries Minister Rajesh Mahato to seek help.
Fish traders from West Bengal allege that vehicles carrying consignments are being stopped after entering Jharkhand.
Traders claim drivers who refuse to pay demanded money are threatened or assaulted.
They also allege that poisonous substances were applied to fish, deliberately destroying consignments.
About seven vehicles carrying fish worth approximately Rs 18 lakh were reportedly affected.
A police complaint was lodged at Shibdaspur police station, and traders plan to raise the matter with Fisheries Minister Rajesh Mahato.
- Who
- Fish traders and drivers from Rajendrapur in Naihati, West Bengal, made the allegations.
- What
- They allege that fish vehicles are being stopped, drivers harassed, money demanded, and consignments damaged in Jharkhand.
- Where
- The reported problems occurred after vehicles entered Jharkhand, near the West Bengal-Jharkhand border.
- When
- The alleged incidents have occurred in recent weeks; a police complaint was lodged on Wednesday night.
- Why
- Traders say those involved are demanding money described by them as “goonda tax.”
Key facts
- Affected vehicles
- Approximately seven fish-carrying vehicles
- Estimated fish value
- Around Rs 18 lakh
- Complaint location
- Shibdaspur police station
- Traders’ origin
- Rajendrapur in Naihati, West Bengal
- Alleged demands
- Large sums of money, described by traders as “goonda tax”
- Next step
- A trader delegation is expected to meet Fisheries Minister Rajesh Mahato
Quotes
Sugata Ghosh
President of the Fish Market Development Committee
“The pressure on this fish market is already high. Those involved in exports have suffered the most. Those behind these incidents are demanding ‘goonda tax’. We cannot conduct business this way. We have submitted the entire matter in writing to the state minister.”
thestatesman.com
Sources
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