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Bengal CM orders closure of illegal toll booths, zero tolerance with corruption
The West Bengal government issued orders to close illegal toll checkpoints across districts, require listing of authorised toll points, and take action against illegal markets and mining. The move includes border coordination, intelligence sharing, and verification of arms in police armouries. The measures aim to curb corruption and ensure lawful trade and traffic management.
Why It Matters
The orders target illicit toll collection and parallel governance practices, signaling a zero-tolerance stance on corruption and unlawful activities.
Timeline
5 Events
Arms and ammunition verification in police armouries
May 13, 2026
Arms and ammunition seized in connection with various cases and kept in the malkhana (armoury) shall be physically verified and matched with the malkhana register of every police station.
Border coordination and intelligence-sharing measures
May 13, 2026
Border meetings shall be conducted regularly for effective coordination, with agendas including identification of active criminals and border touts, sharing of intelligence inputs, and review of follow-up actions taken against them.
Crackdown on illegal cattle markets and mining
May 13, 2026
The order calls for strict action against illegal cattle markets, slaughter houses, and illegal mining activities, with an assurance that licensed and legal mining and cattle trade activities should proceed smoothly without interference by local rowdies.
Officers discuss impact on local toll practices and references to judicial direction
May 13, 2026
An anonymous officer said the measure would prevent district municipalities and panchayats, many controlled by the TMC, from collecting tolls from cargo and passenger vehicles at will. The officer noted this had become a common practice during the TMC rule and led to millions of complaints, and mentioned a Supreme Court directive guiding such action, along with concerns about recovering salaries and the welfare of workers involved in legal cattle trades.
Order to close illegal toll points and identify authorised collection points
May 13, 2026
The government issued an order stating that all illegal road checkpoints and toll collection points operating without authorisation shall be closed with immediate effect. It also mandates that any collection of fees at unauthorised points cease immediately and requires a list of all authorised toll collection points, including the authorities responsible and tender duration, to be ascertained immediately.