The Deceptive Collection
Recent social media buzz has centered around a concerning incident along the picturesque Manali-Mandi highway, where a viral video purportedly captured
individuals masquerading as official toll collectors. These individuals, clad in high-visibility safety vests, were reportedly seen halting private vehicles and demanding a sum of Rs 300. The collected money was then documented on what appeared to be fabricated receipts, bearing the misleading heading 'Traffic Control Camp' and stating 'Received a Sum Rs 300/-'. These bogus slips, designed to mimic official documentation, also included pleasantries like wishing travelers a safe journey, further enhancing their deceptive appearance. The video, filmed from within a vehicle, showcased these men confidently flagging down cars and collecting cash without apparent resistance from the drivers. The implication is that the motorists, perhaps confused or unwilling to cause a scene, complied with the demands, potentially believing these payments were legitimate charges related to road usage or safety regulations.
Questioning the Authority
The circulation of this alarming video has ignited a wave of questions and concerns among the public and authorities alike. A prominent social media user, Nikhil Saini, shared the clip, sparking widespread discussion by questioning the legitimacy of these roadside collections. Saini's post highlighted the fact that travelers already incur significant toll charges on the Mandi to Manali stretch, making the additional Rs 300 collection appear wholly unwarranted. He directly queried the purpose and authorization behind these demands, asking who had granted these individuals the power to operate such a scheme openly on a major tourist artery. Tagging key agencies like Himachal Police and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Saini implored for prompt investigation and action to curb this apparent extortion. The online reaction was swift and largely indignant, with many users condemning the act as daylight robbery and expressing bewilderment at the apparent lack of oversight on such a critical route. Some comments suggested that such unauthorized roadside collection activities tend to proliferate during peak tourist seasons, capitalizing on the influx of visitors.
