West Bengal

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Asansol, May 28, 2025 — The troubling incident that has sparked outrage among locals and transport workers alike, a civic volunteer in Asansol allegedly tried to attack a truck driver after demanding an extortion fee. The episode has raised serious questions about the conduct of some individuals entrusted with maintaining civic order and has prompted police to launch an investigation.

According to eyewitnesses and the truck driver involved, the incident took place near a busy stretch on the outskirts of Asansol, where the volunteer, reportedly tasked with assisting the police in managing traffic and civic issues, stopped the vehicle. The volunteer allegedly demanded a bribe from the driver, ostensibly as a fee for allowing the truck to pass without hindrance.

When the truck driver refused to comply with the extortion demand, tensions escalated. The civic volunteer allegedly lost his temper and attempted to physically assault the driver. Fortunately, the driver managed to avoid injury and recorded parts of the confrontation on his mobile phone, which has since circulated widely on social media platforms, causing public uproar.

The video clearly shows the volunteer aggressively confronting the driver and trying to intimidate him into submission. Passersby and other volunteers eventually intervened to de-escalate the situation, but the damage to public trust had already been done. The viral footage has drawn widespread condemnation from citizens, transport unions, and local activists demanding accountability.

Following the public outcry, the Asansol police have taken swift action. Authorities confirmed that an inquiry has been initiated against the civic volunteer accused of attempting to assault the truck driver. The volunteer has been temporarily suspended from his duties pending the outcome of the investigation. Police officials have assured that strict action will be taken if the allegations are proven true.

This incident is not isolated; it highlights a recurring problem in parts of West Bengal, where some civic volunteers allegedly misuse their positions to extract money from motorists and local businesses. Several complaints have surfaced over the past year about similar extortion attempts and intimidation tactics, putting a spotlight on the need for better regulation and supervision of civic volunteers.

The role of civic volunteers is meant to be supportive and community-driven, assisting law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and order. However, the misuse of this role for personal gain undermines public confidence and hampers the effective functioning of local governance.

Local transport unions have demanded an immediate crackdown on such corrupt practices and have called for a comprehensive review of the system that appoints and monitors civic volunteers. "Volunteers must work with integrity and not exploit their position to harass innocent workers," said a spokesperson for the Asansol Truck Drivers’ Association.

Meanwhile, residents of Asansol have urged the administration to implement stricter training and monitoring mechanisms to prevent such incidents. Many have called for a transparent complaint redressal system that protects citizens from harassment and ensures that civic volunteers act within the bounds of law and ethics.

The police department has appealed to citizens to report any similar incidents and assured that all complaints will be thoroughly investigated. They have emphasized the importance of maintaining public trust and pledged to uphold justice without fear or favor.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in local governance and the critical need for oversight in volunteer-driven law enforcement support. Ensuring that those entrusted with public duties act responsibly is essential to fostering a safe and just environment for all residents and workers in the region.