Other States - Orissa   

Drivers go on the rampage at Girisola checkpost

BERHAMPUR: The inter-state checkpost between Andhra Pradesh and Orissa on National Highway 5 remained clogged for around 24 hours till 1 pm on Saturday following violent activities on Friday by a mob of drivers and workers of lorries at the check post.

According to police sources 16 persons have been arrested in relation to the violent incident. It may be noted that three others had been arrested before following ransacking of the transport and commercial tax offices at the checkpost on Aug 18.

The inter-state checkpost had become tense following protest by drivers of some lorries from the city against the alleged extortion continuing at the checkpost at the behest of officials on Aug 17 night. The drivers were beaten up by some persons at the checkpost on that night.

On Aug 18, members of the Ganjam Phulbani Private Truck Workers’ Union reached the checkpost and ransacked the Commercial Tax Office and Regional Transport Office. It led to a group clash in the area between the villagers of Girisola and the mob of truck drivers and helpers. Eight persons were injured then. Police arrested three truck drivers and helpers in relation to this incident.

On Friday around 1000 truck drivers and helpers reached the checkpost from Berhampur protesting against the arrests. Despite police presence they again ransacked the establishments of commercial tax office and transport office. The checkpost remained under control of the mob till 5 p.m. It totally disrupted the traffic flow through the checkpost. After that also the traffic flow was too slow as the road was clogged.

Moreover, the trucks were to pass through the makeshift arrangements in place of the commercial tax and transport office. The traffic could not flow smoothly till 1 pm. It also affected passenger transportation between Berhampur and Srikakulam and passenger buses could not pass through the clogged checkpost.

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