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Srinagar, Apr 17 (UNI) Alarmed over the reports that drivers on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway were being harassed by police personnel deployed at Jawhar tunnel and other places, Jammu and Kashmir police have launched a massive drive to curb it.

A spokesman of Jammu and Kashmir police said the department has initiated several measures to curb the reported menace of harassment and extortion from truck drivers at Jawahar Tunnel.

He said in this connection a team, headed by Superintendent of Police (SP), Kulgam, conducted a surprise inspection on April 9, and caught red handed three police officials accepting illegal gratification from truck drivers. A case has been registered against them.

The spokesman has sought cooperation of Excise, Motor vehicle and other departments to check the practice of seeking illegal gratification from the drivers for smooth traffic flow on the national highway and other routes.

He said police caught a civilian who identified himself at traffic police official and was taking money from drivers at Pampore on the highway.

UNI BAS YSS ARB HT1535