Transporters stage protest against Customs officials

Transporters staged a seven-hour sit-in on the Northern Bypass in the Manghopir area against Customs officials, blocking the key artery for all traffic and causing massive congestion for several hours.

Office-bearers of the transporters association and drivers began their protest at around 8am on Saturday, positioning their vehicles on both tracks of the bypass. The blockade resulted in long queues of small and heavy vehicles stretching for kilometres.

Protesters alleged that Customs officials opened fire on their vehicles and baton-charged drivers at around 2am. One driver reportedly suffered bullet injuries while three others were wounded due to the beating. They insisted that the protest would continue until a case was registered against the Customs officials involved.

The negotiations concluded successfully at around 12.15pm, after which the transporters dispersed and called off their sit-in. The Northern Bypass was subsequently reopened, and traffic movement gradually returned to normal.