September 26, 2008	Friday	Ramazan 25, 1429

TAXILA, Sept 25: People and transporters on Thursday complained that the traffic police had allegedly stepped up their “extortion drive” as Eidul Fitr was drawing closer.

Drivers of inter-district public transport vehicles said the police officials were forcefully collecting illegal gratifications in the name of “Eidi”.

According to the transporters, the traffic police personnel have hired private vehicles and established mobile pickets on different routes, including Museum-Jhang Bhattar road, HMC Road, Mohra Chowk, Sarai Kala Chowk and Jandail Chowk. They are fleecing the motorists on the pretext of checking registration documents.

“Even if all the required documents are presented to them, the cops shamelessly ask us to give them some money as Eidi,” they said.

A wagon driver plying his vehicle between Taxila and Hattar told this reporter, the police were demanding Rs500, 300 and 200 from buses, wagons and pickups, respectively.

A senior police officer, when contacted, conceded that some personnel of lower cadre were involved in taking bribe from people in the name of Eidi.

“We have asked the people several times to come forward and bring any such incident into our notice. We will take strict departmental action against any policemen found involved in such criminal activity,” he added.

Eve-teasers infest crowded markets: With Eidul Fitr just round the corner, shopping for the religious festival has reached its peak in Taxila and Wah Cantonment.

But the hustle and bustle has also attracted eve-teasers and hooligans who have become a nuisance for women and young girls visiting the shopping centres.

Taking advantage of the rush, these unruly youth misbehave with females in crowded markets such as Aslam Market, Lalarukh, Nawababad, Post Office Road Basti, Mughal Market and commercial centres at barrier number 2 and 3.

People have protested that the local police do not take notice of the “immoral activities” due to the reasons best known to them.

The police claim they have chalked out a strict security plan to curtail such incidents, but no steps are seen on grounds.

Pickpockets have also become active, and numerous cases are being reported on daily basis in which people are deprived of money they have saved for Eid shopping.