CID investigation into Syndicate, Racketeers Get Jitters

Our Correspondent

DIGBOI, Sept 4: With the CID investigating the alleged syndicate raj near Golai-based AOD Marketing Terminal at Digboi in Tinsukia district, a bout of jitters seems to have etched on those involved in the racket some way or the other.

CID sleuths have been grilling suspects, irrespective of their status and organizational affiliation. They have recorded the statements of oil tanker drivers, members of the Golai Association, APMU members, transporters, members and office-bearers of the Tinsukia District Petrol Pump Dealers’ Association, AOD officials and terminal workers. Private players in oil trading, including owners of petrol pumps, are also under CID’s scanner. People involved in oil pilferage from loaded tankers at various points and other illegal traders are also reportedly on CID’s radar.

“Cash receipts and vouchers against purchase of gadgets by Golai Association have also been collected by the investigating team this afternoon,” said a source.

Interrogations and investigations are being carried out among various stakeholders at Old Marketting Terminal in Tinsukia where it had been in operation for 36 years, marked by similar practice of providing gadgets to tanker staff against certain payments.

Oil tanker owners and owners of some selective oil depots at Digboi, Tinsukia and all along the NH37 have also been brought under the purview of the investigation.

The CID team has not been able to record the statement of Ranjan Chowdhury, leader of the Upper Assam branch of the Assam Petrol Mazdoor Union (APMU). He is bed-ridden in a private nursing home in Dibrugarh. Chowdhury, who had been threatened earlier by some miscreants during the course of the agitation, was instrumental in redressing the grievances of the workers engaged in various petroleum sectors across the State.