Customs officials and cargo operators from Nepal have complained that the Indian authorities at Pani Tanki, the Indian border town across Kakadbhitta, have been soliciting bribe to issue customs clearance for Nepal-bound cargo containers.  

They said Indian security forces and customs officers are demanding up to Rs 15,000 per cargo truck for exit permit.

Chief of Mechi Customs Office Bhim Prasad Adhikari said he have been approached by some traders with complaints about the Indian officials demanding bribe from cargo operators and traders.

He said that extorting the cargo operators for customs clearance is unacceptable.

Mohammad Sadarul, a cargo truck driver, who reached Pani Tanki border after his truck was rerouted by the Indian authorities at Raxaul border across Birgunj, said he and the other truckers who are awaiting customs clearance to enter Nepal are being harassed by the people demanding bribe all the time.

Meanwhile, not a single fuel tanker has entered Nepal from the Pani Tanki-Kakadbhitta border point for the past five days, according to the Mechi Customs Office. Officials said at least 35 fuel tankers are stuck at Pani Tanki, and none has obtained customs clearance from the Indian customs. Non-fuel cargoes, however, are being allowed to enter Nepal, though limited in number. Thirty-five cargo containers entered Nepal from Pani Tanki on Friday alone.

Sources said the Indian security forces are deliberately withholding the Nepal-bound fuel shipment. There are around 300 third country shipments and about 1,000 Indian cargoes stuck at the eastern border.

Meanwhile, 16 cargo trucks entered Nepal from Nepalgunj border on Friday. Not a single fuel tanker has entered Nepal from the border point since Tuesday.  Similarly, 22 cargo trucks entered Nepal from Biratnagar customs point on Friday. Customs office informed around 90 fuel tankers are stranded at Jogbani customs point in India.

Bhairahawa customs officials said around 200 LPG bullets and 18 petrol and diesel tankers are stuck in India.

SLMM stir continues

JANAKPUR: Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha supporters protested in Janakpur on Friday. People representing various organisations also took out a rally in the town, expressing solidarity with the protest. In Biratnagar,  vehicles remained off the road due to fuel shortage.