Gujarat’s fake syndrome continues, as fake government offices, passports, ID cards, and officers, as well as fake toll plazas, are gaining momentum.

In December last year, a fake toll plaza in Wakaner’s Vaghasiya near Morbi was busted.

This time, a new modus operandi was applied by the Samatra toll plaza workers on the Bhuj-Nakhatrana highway.

A fake toll plaza adjacent to the authentic toll plaza was operating only at night, while during the day, the route remained closed by a simple rope barrier.

Modus operandi of fake Samatra toll plaza

The fake toll plaza used to divert heavy vehicles to an alternate route that went through nearby farms. 

Usually, heavy and overloaded vehicles need to pay ₹500 on the authentic toll during the day, but the fake toll collected only ₹300 from the vehicles.

During the night, trucks carrying windmill inventory, salt, and minerals used to pass illegally from the fake toll plaza.

CCTV cameras were also switched off during the night.

According to reports, particular transporters and toll contractors are said to be involved in the scandal. They are said to have rented people to carry out the scam.

The district collector has initiated an investigation regarding this fake toll plaza. 

Dr Navghan Ahir, president of the Kutch Jilla Truck Owners Association, was unaware of  the scandal but emphasised the need for regular operation of CCTV cameras, which are often non-functional.

Incidents of brawling and trashing among toll plaza workers, truck drivers, and cleaners are often reported from the Samatra toll plaza, according to sources.

The fake toll plaza may have caused a significant blow to the government’s toll tax income. 

Also Read:

Gujarat’s imposter issue: Fake toll plaza busted in Morbi

Fake pharma companies busted across Guj, factory in Ahmedabad sealed