Association expels rogue driver; Rice sold off on transit
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 09 2011: An FCI truck driver who went to lift rice from Jiribam but came back with cement after selling off the rice load has been expelled from the NH 53 Truck Owners' Association for good along with the truck he was driving.

Speaking to media persons at their Keishampat office today, president of the NH-53 Truck Owners' Association Kh Inaoba announced expulsion of the driver along with his vehicle from the association.

He also appealed to other transport organisations not to give permission or contract to the particular driver and the truck for transporting goods.

The particular truck bearing registration number MN-04A/3308) was engaged by FCI contractor M/S Zhimomi Traders and was registered under the association.

The act of selling off the rice and bringing cement instead was done either by the driver or the owner.

Neither the contractor nor the transport association had any part in the foul play, Inaoba clarified.

The truck which was bringing cement instead of rice was seized by police along with the driver from Keithelmanbi along NH 53 on July 6 .

A file pic of NH-53 along wich the rice was sold off

Inaoba further appealed to the public to inform the association through mobile number 8974446915 if they come upon such deceitful practice of selling off the State's quota of PDS items.

He also announced a reward of Rs 5000 for information on such illegal activity.

Earlier, two trucks belonging to another contractor and transporter were seized by paramilitary forces on June 15 for indulging in similar acts of fraudulence.

According to the owner of the seized truck, Ksh Ingo of Kongpal Naoroibam Leikai, the act of selling off the rice on the sly was committed by driver Laishram Santa of Kumbi.

He said that neither he nor the contractor had any knowledge of the shady dealing.

The association's president Inaoba said that the association would extend monetary aid to the families of State security personnel who were killed and injured in the K Sinam landslide.

The association also extended solidarity to the bereaved families.

The six security personnel were part of a convoy detailed for duty to escort trucks from Jiribam to Imphal.

Many others were also injured.

On the other hand, truck drivers raised an uproar at FCI godown for harassing them unnecessarily for the act of treachery committed by a single driver.

The drivers and their helpers raised an uproar in protest against the FCI authority's refusal to allow them unload goods at the godown.

Later, the two sides came to an understanding.