A recent video that has taken the internet by storm reveals how a cargo driver, aggravated by the daily attempts to extract fake taxes by toutds, took matters into his own hands. Despite the official closure of transport check posts in Madhya Pradesh from July 1 last year, allegations of illegal extortion by transport staff and touts continue to surface from various border points of the state.
Truck drivers passing through Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Gujarat have claimed that money is being openly demanded in the name of inspections, even though check posts exist only on paper.
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Amid the continual operations of such a nexus, a dramatic incident recently took place when a tout tried to extort money from a truck driver. The driver was already aware of the false tactics and refused to comply. Witnessing that he was a tough nut to crack, the tout boarded his truck. The driver drove away once the tout stepped onto the footstep, forcing the tout to cling on for his life. He held on to the vehicle for five kilometers to save himself.
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As per media reports, the incident took place between the Hanumana checkpost and Rewa. The captured video is now spreading all over the internet.
The driver, Sumit Patel, was travelling towards Rewa from Hanumana when approached by the tout. Once the truck was moving, the tout repeatedly pleaded with the driver to stop; he even started touching the driver’s feet and asking him to halt the vehicle.
Truck Drivers’ Claims
Truck drivers from the area have claimed that such extortion is routine at several checkposts in the district, including Hanumana. They allege that touts operate openly and demand money by citing alleged deficiencies in the documents or threatening prolonged inspections and delays. Drivers who refuse to pay are reportedly harassed for hours.
Sumit Patel said this was not the first time he had been asked for money at a check post, but the constant pressure and threatening behaviour this time forced him to protest. The incident raises questions about enforcement, accountability, and the continued presence of illegal practices in Madhya Pradesh.