Security personnel deployed at various checkpoints to inspect vehicles have been charged with misbehaving with drivers along the Bhimdatta Highway that connects Dadeldhura and Kailali. The road section records the highest number of accidents in the far-west region. For this reason, checkpoints have been established at various places to control fatal accidents along Kailali’s Attariya to Dadeldhura’s Syaulebazaar. The drivers complained that they were slapped fines if they stopped their vehicles a few metres away from the said point. Besides, they said the security personnel use offensive language. They said such behaviour amounted to mental torture. There are seven checkpoints along the 121-km highway.

Passengers said Nepal police and Traffic police tortured the drivers over petty things. Driver Ranjit Sijapati said security checking was good, but extorting money in the name of checking and torture was illegal. “The situation is already harsh as we have wait in queue day and night to procure fuel, which otherwise we have to purchase in the black-market to operate vehicles. Police high-handedness has added to our plight,” regretted Sijapati. Santosh Khadka, the chairperson of Ugratara Transport Entrepreneurs Committee, said police misbehaviour of drivers was giving mental stress. “Instead of seven checkpoints along the short route, it is better to set up three checkpoints and monitor strictly,” he demanded. Meanwhile, far-west regional police office Dipayal Chief DIG Madhav Nepal pledged to take necessary information about irregularities at the checkpoints and bring reforms. “Security checking will be strict and stringent action will be taken in case of misbehaviour,” said DIG Nepal.