Protest against toll collection at Hejmady, Sasthana

The locals and members of various organisations staged protests at Hejmady and Sasthana toll gates against the national highway authorities and Navayug Construction Company for toll collection.

The locals also argued with police who came to handle the situation. The agitators argued that the national highway is incomplete and the toll is collected illegally. The maintenance of roads is not carried out. The Navyug company has failed to complete the work, they alleged.

After the intervention of police, the agitators agreed for the settlement that the tax will not be collected till Friday evening after which the matter will be decided in a meeting called by the deputy commissioner. The company Officials have sought police protection.

The protestors, led by Deviprasad Shetty, said that the MPs of the two districts are mum over the hardships encountered by the people. The roads are in a very bad condition at some junctions. The service roadworks are incomplete. The district administrations have failed to take action against the company, they charged.

Hejmady toll officer Ravi Babu said that the toll collection has begun following the instructions from the state government.