Cops involved in extortion, say drivers

Kolkata: Police personnel were reportedly harassed and beaten by some local businessmen in Durgapur on Monday morning.

Some vehicle drivers alleged that police personnel were involved in extortion.

According to sources, on Monday morning, an Assistant Sub-Inspector along with a few civic volunteers were allegedly extorting money from vehicle drivers on the National Highway 2 near DVC Mor.

While all the drivers reportedly met police personnel's demand, one of the drivers left the spot without giving money to the cops. This angered police personnel.

According to vehicle driver Sudhangshu Raut, police had demanded Rs 500 which he refused to give and left the spot. Following this, police gave him a chase.

At Benachiti Bazar area, the police vehicle intercepted his vehicle and blocked its way.

The accused Assistant Sub-Inspector allegedly held him by his caller and dragged him out of the vehicle and later he was beaten up.

Situation took an ugly turn after local businessmen surrounded the police personnel. When police personnel asked them to leave, a few of the businesspersons heckled the police officer.

Sources informed, when the police officers were about to leave the place, some money accidentally fell from their pocket which was allegedly taken from the

drivers.

Local residents got furious. It is alleged that the Assistant Sub-Inspector and civic volunteers were physically assaulted. Later, local residents confined the police personnel and surrounded them. Durgapur A zone police out-post was informed about the situation.

Upon receiving the information, police went to the spot and rescued the assaulted police personnel. Raut was taken to Durgapur Sub-Divisional Hospital.

According to sources, an inquiry has been ordered in the case. Another case for allegedly assaulting on duty police personnel may be lodged against local residents.