Shamli (Uttar Pradesh): An alleged extortion racket operating in the name of the District Panchayat on the Meerut–Karnal National Highway in Shamli has sparked a major controversy, with the BJP facing uncomfortable questions after a video of the incident went viral on social media.
The incident reportedly took place near the UP–Haryana border under the Jhinjhana police station area, where several youths armed with sticks were seen stopping trucks and demanding money from drivers. The truckers alleged that the money was being forcibly collected as a “District Panchayat fee”, despite them having already paid toll and road taxes in Haryana.
In the viral video, the youths can be seen abusing drivers and threatening violence if payments were refused. Truck drivers claimed they were assaulted for resisting the illegal recovery, terming it a “goonda tax” being collected in broad daylight.
The political controversy deepened after District Panchayat President Madhu Gurjar, who belongs to the BJP, stated that the collection was based on a board order. However, local residents and truck unions have countered the claim, alleging that the district panchayat contract had already expired and that permits were being issued illegally.
According to National Highway rules, toll collection is permitted only at authorised toll plazas, making any roadside recovery illegal. Despite this, truck unions allege that similar incidents have occurred earlier, with no strict action taken.
Following public outrage, the Shamli police said they have taken cognisance of the viral video and initiated an investigation to identify those involved. However, administrative officials have so far avoided speaking on camera, further fuelling anger among transporters.
Truck driver organisations have demanded immediate action, increased police deployment on the highway, and strict legal proceedings against those extorting money in the name of the District Panchayat.
For now, the case has put both the district administration and the BJP under scrutiny, with questions being raised over accountability and law and order on one of western Uttar Pradesh’s busiest highways.
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