A shocking video from the Banda district of Uttar Pradesh has emerged online, showcasing a sales tax constable allegedly caught in the act of illegally extorting money from a truck driver at a busy intersection. Just steps away, an official’s vehicle stands by. Following the video's circulation, there is pandemonium in the district administration, prompting immediate orders for an investigation.
The video, rumored to be from the night of April 20, has been making headlines since April 21. While 'Aaj Tak' cannot verify the video's authenticity, the district administration has taken cognizance of the matter and has commenced an investigation. ADM Rajesh Kumar asserts that strict action will be taken against the individual post-investigation.
Notably, Banda's DM has formed a Special Task Force (STF) team to tackle illegal transportation and overloading. This team, comprising officials from administration, police, transport, mining, and sales tax departments, is active across all tehsils under the leadership of the DM and SP.
Amidst this, the sales tax department team from Atarra tehsil area set out for a checking campaign on the night of April 21. While the responsible officer and their team were present in the vehicle, it is alleged that a sales tax constable started extorting money from truck drivers under the pretext of checking their papers, an act that was captured on video and uploaded to social media.
The viral video reveals an officer's vehicle parked a short distance away, with sales tax department officials reportedly inside. Meanwhile, a truck driver is seen alongside his vehicle as the sales tax constable openly commits extortion, defrauding the government of revenue.
ADM Finance Rajesh Kumar commented on the viral video, confirming awareness of the situation. The video depicts an individual unlawfully collecting money from a truck driver. The team is investigating the viral footage, and strict action is promised against the employee in question.
Locals claim such wrongful acts by the department have been ongoing for some time; the viral video has now exposed the department's misdeeds. They demand immediate action against illegal extortion.
