TDC threatens to cease rice shipment
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 29 2013 :
The Transporters and Drivers Council (TDC) has threatened to cease transhipment of FCI rice from Jiribam to Imphal from December 3 in case the Chief Minister, the Home Minister and the DGP fail to take befitting action against an SI of Imphal East Narcotics Cell and his cohorts who allegedly concealed rice laden truck after intimidating the driver.
Speaking at their MG Avenue office today, TDC president H Ranjit said that a 10-wheeled Tata truck (MN01/4774) was loaded with 15 metric tonnes of rice, and it was heading for Imphal from Jiribam on November 27 with some personnel of 4th IRB seated in the driver's cabin.
Altogether 10 IRB personnel were allowed to seat in rice laden trucks as many police vehicles were reserved for the Sangai festival.
As the truck drove to Sangakpham on November 28 to drop the IRB personnel seated inside, some police personnel seized the truck.
At that time, it was not known who were seizing the truck for they did not disclose their identities/designations, Ranjit said.
When transporters dialled driver Ibochou's mobile phone, they (police) confiscated the mobile phone and rejected all calls.
As the fellow transporters could not establish any contact with the driver, a strong suspicion arose whether the truck had been hijacked.
Driven by the same suspicion, ADGP Khaute was informed and requested to rescue the truck.
TDC Members too scattered in different directions and searched for the truck the same night.
It was only at around 8.30 pm that one of the TDC teams spotted the truck behind Porompat Service Station (oil pump) and it appeared that the truck was deliberately concealed there.
Later, it was also learnt that the police team which seized and concealed the truck in addition to threatening its driver was led by an SI of Imphal East Narcotic Cell.
Questioning as to why the truck was not taken inside any police station in case they (police) suspect any contraband or unlawful substances inside it, Ranjit asked why the police team acted like banned UG groups.
Maintaining that no dugs or illegal substances were found inside the truck, Ranjit demanded suspension of ther and his team for taking possession of the truck unlawfully and again concealing it as done by UG groups.
It was also possible that the police team was plotting to defame and frame the driver by putting banned drugs by putting banned drugs inside the truck.
TDC would be constrained to launch various intense modes of agitation from December 3 including suspension of rice transportation from Jiribam in case the State Government does not take up befitting action against SI Nillamani and his team by December 2, Ranjit added.