Bantwal : Large number of protestors under the leadership of Bantwal Taluk Nagarika Hitarakshana Samiti organized a protest at Brahmarakootlu toll gate on Friday April 25 demanding to shift the new toll gate.
Addressing the protestors, Chandraprakash Shetty president of Samiti and zilla panchayat member said that even before the completion of four lane work, the authorities started to collect the toll. In spite the toll lacks space and facilities, they continuing taking high amount for this unauthorized toll gate, hence it must be shifted immediately.
The protestors raised slogans against the staff and collection of irregular toll charges and demanded to shift the toll gate elsewhere. During the protest, they also blocked the road and stopped the payers from paying the toll by entering the toll booth.
He also said that the toll gate is not computerized gate and the collector are collecting the rates from the passerby by showing gun and acting like rowdies with the support of political parties.
Speaking on the occasion, Congress leader Harikrishna Bantwal said that it is illegal to construct toll plaza unless the highway work is completed. The toll plaza staffs treating passengers in an uncivilized manner s condemnable.
Later they handed over the memorandum in this regard to union minister of surface transport, chief minister of Karnataka, district in charge minister and project director of National Highway Authority of India through Bantwal taluk tahsildar Malleswamy and assistant commissioner Sadashiva Prabhu.
After accepting the memorandum, Sadashiva Prabhu assured the protestors to scrutinize the matter and take action.
Zilla panchayat member M S Mohammed and Mamatha Gatty, also spoke on the occasion.
B Padmashekar Jain, Mayilappa Salian, Abbas Ali, Padmashekar Jain, Prakash Shetty Thumbe, Pius L Rodrigues, Padmanabha Rai, Parameshwara, B K Idinabba, Madhusoodhan Shenoy, Sadashiva Bangera, Mohammed Sharif, Ramakrishna Alva and others were present.