CBI begins ‘goonda tax’ probe in Ropar post High Court order

Ropar, September 6

The CBI has launched a search for the alleged ‘goonda tax’ mafia in Ropar district. Its officials will record the statement of complainant Bachittar Singh in this regard in the next few days.

Bachittar Singh, in a petition filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, had alleged that illegal nakas had been raised by unauthorised persons to collect ‘goonda tax’ from drivers of vehicles carrying sand and gravel. The HC asked the CJM-cum-Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, Ropar, to submit a report in this regard. The report, which claimed that “illegal and unauthorised checkpoints very much exist…”, was placed before an HC Bench.

On August 11, the HC ordered a preliminary inquiry by the CBI. — TNS