Drivers of taxis, auto-rickshaw and other vehicles have accused the Railway Police of extorting money at the Karachi Cantonment Station where they pay the entry charges through e-ticking system at the main entrance. Business Recorder reporter also witnessed two police officials of Pakistan Railway extorting money from every auto rickshaw and taxi driver with impunity.
"Police have demanded to grease their palms many a times when I dropped passengers, here at the Cantt Station," said Arsalan, an auto rickshaw driver, adding that he was forced to pay them. He said the Railway Police threatened to impose heavy challan and that his rickshaw would be impounded if he didn't pay demanded money. Another driver said, he earns livelihood by driving but he could not take enough money back to home because police extort money. "I usually avoid carrying passengers to Cantt Station because of the fear of extortion by police," he said, adding that Railway police extort Rs 10 to 20 from auto rickshaw drivers and Rs 30 from taxi drivers.
Many passengers also confirmed that they too witnessed extortion by Railway Police. When this reporter asked the cops to clarify their position why they were demanding extra money, they replied that their Commander was sitting inside the booth and he should be asked for it.
"We are not authorised to take money. However, a meagre amount is being collected from drivers that help us in running the affairs of our police station," the commander argued. According to an estimate, around 3000 vehicles come to the Karachi Cantonment Railway Station daily. The vehicle parking contract has been awarded to a private contractor who collects entry and parking charges from drivers as per the agreement with the railways administration.
Railways' Divisional Commercial Officer (DCO) Ishaq Baloch expressed ignorance of the extortion saying none had brought it to his knowledge, so far. He asked drivers as well as passengers to lodge their complaints, if they have any, so that disciplinary action be taken against the officials involved in this crime.