TNI Bureau: In a decisive move involving significant administrative and law enforcement actions, the West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has commenced a comprehensive state-wide campaign. This initiative is specifically targeting illegal toll collection syndicates, illicit arms networks, and unresolved cases related to post-election violence.
These directives were formally issued subsequent to a high-level meeting held at Nabanna. Following this assembly, numerous instructions were disseminated by senior state officials and the West Bengal Police department.
In a notable measure aimed at curbing illegal toll activities, Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Agarwal issued an order on May 12, mandating the immediate dismantling of all unauthorized toll gates, drop gates, barricaded collection points, and analogous structures operating without the requisite approval from competent authorities.
District Magistrates throughout the state have been tasked with identifying all illegal toll collection points within their respective jurisdictions and ensuring their prompt removal or cessation of operations. The order further stipulates that officials must actively prevent the re-establishment of such collection mechanisms without proper authorization.
Furthermore, all unauthorized fee or levy collections at these points have been ordered to cease immediately. District administrations have also been requested to compile a detailed register of all authorized toll collection points, specifying the collecting authority and the tenure of the tender agreement. A consolidated report encompassing both legal and illegal toll structures is to be submitted to the Under Secretary by May 15.
Concurrently, the West Bengal Police has announced a special state-wide operation targeting illegal firearms, ammunition, and explosives, commencing on May 16. This directive was issued by the Additional Director General (Law & Order) to all Superintendents of Police and Police Commissioners shortly after the Chief Minister’s meeting.
Police districts and commissionerates have been instructed to submit daily reports concerning the ongoing efforts.
