Minister suspends six sales staff at Lakhanpur

Jammu, Sep 15 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Minister Finance and Law Minister Tariq Hamid Qarra today suspended six officers of Sales and Tax Department and directed authorities to arrest hundreds of unauthorised agents at Lakhanpur Toll Post in Kathua District bordering Punjab.

In a bid to crack down the nexus of the employees of Sales and Tax Department and unauthorized agents, Mr Qarra made surprise visit at Lakhanpur and suspended six officers today.

Sources said at least six officers of the department were suspended by the minister for not following the directions issued by him.

Mr Qarra said the department was directed to exhibit the photographs of authorized transport agents at the spots but they did not followed the instructions.

'' Instead of authorised agents, hundreds of unauthorised agents were indulged in an illegal affair under the nose of senior officers,'' Mr Qarra told UNI.

'' When I came to know about the operation, I visited the spot and broke down the nexus. Six officers of Sales and Tax Department were suspended and directions issued to get the unauthorised agents-- more than hundred in number-- arrested,'' he added.

The minister further added that in a meeting with the District Administration, guidelines have been issued to keep a watch on the unauthorised agents indulging in the unlawful practice.

'' The Sales and Tax Department have also been told to get their machines checked by the Weight and Measures Department and ensure honest working,'' Mr Qarra added.

UNI