Commotion at Pathankot’s Ladhpalwan Toll; Several Tipper Trucks Break Through Boom Barrier
Amidst ongoing disputes regarding sand and gravel transportation and mining in the district, a chaotic situation arose at the Ladhpalwan toll barrier while a Mining Department team was inspecting vehicle documents. Reports indicate an altercation occurred between some tipper truck drivers and the departmental team.
According to available information, the Mining Department team was verifying bills and other documents for tipper trucks loaded with sand and gravel. During this process, an argument allegedly broke out with some drivers. Tensions escalated when certain drivers reportedly smashed through the toll’s boom barrier and drove away. Police personnel present at the scene attempted to stop the vehicles, but some managed to escape. Following the incident, police and administrative officials arrived to bring the situation under control.
Transporters Sanjay, Neeraj, and Anuj questioned the Mining Department’s actions, alleging bias and extortion. They claimed that vehicles linked to large firms were allowed to pass without hindrance, whereas vehicles belonging to smaller transporters faced strict scrutiny. Indarpal Singh Bains, the Punjab Youth President of the Bharatiya Kisan Union, questioned how goods were being transported without bills if the mining portal was closed under government regulations. He demanded that if any rule violations were discovered, the role of the respective crusher owners should be investigated alongside that of the drivers. Meanwhile, Mining Junior Engineer (JE) Amit stated that the team was inspecting vehicle bills and documents; vehicles possessing valid documents were allowed to proceed after verification. DSP (Rural) Sukhjinder Singh arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control. He stated that if the law had been violated, appropriate legal action would be taken in accordance with the rules following an investigation.
