EXTORTION IN THE NAME OF RECEIPTS

EXTORTION IN THE NAME OF RECEIPTS

17-APRIL-ENG 7

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

BUXAR-------------------------A case involving alleged illegal extortion from sand-laden trucks in the Brahmapur Nagar Panchayat area—conducted under the pretext of issuing "receipts"—is rapidly escalating.

There is widespread outrage among truck drivers regarding the demand for ₹200 per truck. Meanwhile, a video related to this entire sequence of events is going viral on social media, making the matter even more sensitive. Although *Keshav Times* does not independently verify the authenticity of the viral video, the questions raised by it have cast serious doubts on the functioning of the local administration.

A case involving alleged illegal extortion from sand-laden trucks in the Brahmapur Nagar Panchayat area—conducted under the pretext of issuing "receipts"—is rapidly escalating.

There is widespread outrage among truck drivers regarding the demand for ₹200 per truck. Meanwhile, a video related to this entire sequence of events is going viral on social media, making the matter even more sensitive. Although *Keshav Times* does not independently verify the authenticity of the viral video, the questions raised by it have cast serious doubts on the functioning of the local administration.

According to reports, several truck drivers have alleged that while passing through the Brahmapur area, they are being charged ₹200 per truck by individuals displaying receipts purportedly issued by the Nagar Panchayat. The drivers contend that this collection process is neither transparent, nor are any clear regulations cited to justify it. This situation not only increases their financial burden but also raises suspicions that this may, in fact, be a case of organized illegal extortion. Social activist Chitranjan Rai has prominently raised this issue. Taking the truck drivers' complaints seriously, he has sought a direct explanation from the Executive Officer of the Nagar Panchayat, Shiv Shakti Kumar.

Rai asserts that if such collections are indeed being conducted in the name of the Nagar Panchayat, then the legality and procedural details of this practice must be made public. He stated in unequivocal terms that, "If this collection of money is illegal, then strict action must be taken against those involved—regardless of who they are." Meanwhile, Executive Officer Shiv Shakti Kumar, terming the matter as serious, has assured that an inquiry will be conducted. He stated that the entire episode would be investigated based on the viral video and the complaints received; furthermore, if anyone's involvement is established, action will be taken against them in accordance with the rules.

Separately, social activist Chitranjan Rai has issued a warning to the administration, declaring that if concrete action is not taken in this matter soon, he will not hesitate to file an FIR against the individuals and officials concerned. He asserts that this issue is not merely about the exploitation of truck drivers, but also concerns administrative transparency and accountability. For the time being, all eyes remain fixed on the local administration's next course of action regarding this entire affair. If the allegations prove to be true, it will cast a serious shadow over the functioning of the Nagar Panchayat, and strict action against those responsible is considered inevitable.