Assam man forced to pay Rs 15,000 'fine' for entering no-entry zone in Shillong, probe ordered
Shillong (PTI): An investigation was ordered after a video went viral, showing that a traffic volunteer in Shillong allegedly forcing a visitor from Assam's Silchar to cough up Rs 15,000 as "fine" after he drove his car into a no-entry zone.
After the old Maruti 800 car entered the no-entry zone in the Madanrting area of the city, the home guard volunteer attached to the Traffic Department signalled the driver to stop. As the car did not stop, the volunteer pursued it on a motorbike and intercepted it.
In the video, the volunteer is heard allegedly intimidating the visitors and demanding money, saying in broken Hindi, "Lakh lakh ka fine hai, kitna de sakta? Agar amount hoga to hum bolega, hoga nahi to case pe daal dega," implying that a heavy fine would be imposed unless cash was paid on the spot.
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The volunteer, who initially demanded about Rs 1 lakh, climbed down to Rs 17,000 after negotiations. He then took the driver to an ATM and finally let him go after he paid Rs 15,000.
A video of the incident went viral on social media, following which the police swung into action.
PTI could not independently verify the authenticity of the video.
East Khasi Hills District SP Vivek Syiem said an inquiry has been ordered.
"The person concerned is a casual employee. Seeking or accepting cash from traffic violators is illegal. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken based on the findings of the inquiry," he said.
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Education first: Nanded woman appears for Class 12 exam with her 10-day-old baby
Nanded (Maharashtra) (PTI): A woman carried her 10-day-old baby while appearing for her Class 12 Maharashtra board examination in Nanded city, prompting authorities to set up a special mother-friendly facility at the exam centre, officials said.
Shital Chandrakant Chitte (21) arrived at the centre on Wednesday for her Political Science exam with her newborn. Earlier, just two days after delivery, she had also appeared for the English exam on February 10, accompanied by her sister.
Appreciating her determination towards education, the People's College authorities created a dedicated 'Matrusneh Kaksha' (mother-friendly room) and arranged a cradle for the baby, allowing Chitte to write her exam while her child rested.
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Married two years ago, Chitte, a student of Shri Basweshwar College here, said she had no one at home to look after the baby as her husband leaves for work during the day.
With the Class 12 examination crucial for her future, she chose not to miss it, and her family has supported her decision to continue her education, Chitte said.
Nanded education officer Madhav Salgar appreciated the college's move to form a separate facility for the student during the exam.
"Henceforth, we, on behalf of the administration, will make arrangements at exam centres for such students to motivate them," he told PTI.
Maharashtra board's Latur divisional president Sudhakar Telang claimed this is the first such initiative in the state.
The Maharashtra board's Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations began on February 10 and are being conducted smoothly at the centre, where 861 candidates are appearing.
