AGARTALA, Sep 5 (TIWN): Truck drivers in Tripura are speaking out against extortion by local clubs in the name of Durga Puja donations. The All Driver Welfare Association has lodged a written complaint with the police, alleging that club members are demanding money from drivers under threat of physical harm.

In a recent incident, a truck driver named Parindra Nath was allegedly assaulted by members of a local Durga Puja committee in Churaibari for refusing to pay a donation. The driver claimed he was beaten up despite offering to pay after Vishwakarma Puja. The association alleges that club members, often intoxicated, demand ?1,000 to ?5,000 from drivers, and those who refuse face physical harassment and vehicle seizure.

The All Driver Welfare Association has demanded that the Chief Minister take immediate action to stop the extortion and has warned of a statewide agitation if the issue is not addressed. Police have initiated an investigation into the matter.

This issue isn't new in Tripura. Recently, truckers blocked National Highway-8 in Kumarghat to protest similar extortion attempts by local clubs. The blockade was lifted after police intervention and assurance of action against the perpetrators. Chief Minister Manik Saha had also issued a stern warning against forcible collections in the name of Durga Puja.