Siliguri, 07th January: Allegations of syndicate rule and extortion at NJP railway station have sparked outrage among Sikkimese drivers, who surrounded the NJP police station on Tuesday to protest harassment. A formal complaint was lodged regarding the alleged exploitation.
According to the drivers, syndicate rule has been prevalent in the station premises for a long time. They claimed that despite paying parking fees, additional money is often demanded. Recently, a Sikkimese driver faced harassment after refusing to pay when he went to pick up tourists from a hotel. A video of the incident went viral, leading to heightened anger among the drivers.
The protesting drivers alleged that they are charged ₹200 for parking. However, additional money is now being demanded outside the parking lot during tourist drop-offs or pick-ups at hotels. They added that those refusing to pay this so-called ‘Dadagiri tax’ are reportedly subjected to abuse and harassment.
Tuesday’s protest was a demonstration against the alleged extortion and syndicate rule at the station.