Solitary cop accused of tax collection drive
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 15 2011: Even though concerted effort of the Government has resulted in shifting of street vendors to Lamphel Super Market complex, presence of some women vendors who are hideously selling goods at various nook and corner of Khwairamband Keithel have become a blessing in disguise for some police personnel.

While some elements within the State security establishment harassing traders and associated labour force to cough of money is not an unfamiliar sight in the market places such unruly conduct of police came to the fore today.

According to a 45-year old woman street vendor who identified self as Ibemhal from Sangaiyumpham in Thoubal district, a motorcycle borne policeman forced her son to collect Rs 10 each from every betel leaf and vegetable sellers.

Ibemhal claimed that her 11-year old son namely Md Bobby was asked in a harsh tone by the policeman to collect the said amount from the non-local traders, who are still continuing with their profession at Khwairamband Keithel area.

In this photo provided by some shopkeepers the accused cop scanning Khwairamband Keithel to collect money from traders

Bobby also told this reporter that unwilling to court trouble with the cop, who came in a Karizma motorcycle (MNO1D/2664) with the figure 14 inscribed in the front, he obliged the directive and managed to collect about Rs 300-400 with some of the betel leaf traders paying only Rs 5 .

Conceding that out of the total amount, the policeman paid him Rs 50, the youngster also informed that at the time of collection the cop followed close behind.

On the otherhand, Ibemhal said on being informed by her younger sister Ahanbi Begum that Bobby is about to be taken away in the bike, apparently to continue collection at other location, she raised strong objection against the cop's conduct and managed to take custody of her son.

Ahanbi Begum also contended that during a mild confrontation the policeman emitted alcohol smell and expressed that Bobby might have been forced to collect money by the policeman in inebriated condition.

other women street vendors also contended that the same child with a policeman behind had collected Rs 10 each from them.

When some of the women vendors raised objections against the illegal collection, the policeman used abusive language and hurried away from the scene, they maintained.