Gujarat’s Fake Toll Plaza: The Elaborate Scheme Behind the Millions Earned
New Delhi: A shocking revelation in Gujarat has exposed a clandestine operation—a counterfeit toll plaza cunningly skirting the actual toll charges. Located in Morbi district, this bogus setup allegedly raked in over ₹75 crore from unsuspecting vehicles, providing passage at a fraction of the genuine toll rates.
The scheme, running for over a year, involved five individuals, including a ceramic factory owner, who devised a deceptive plan. They erected a barrier along the highway, crafting secret entry and exit points, luring mostly trucks seeking to bypass the hefty toll fees.
Reports suggest this counterfeit operation took advantage of a closed factory, creating an alternative route to bypass the legitimate toll plaza on the national highway. Astonishingly, the accused offered passage for fees ranging from ₹20 to ₹200, significantly lower than the actual toll charges of ₹110 to ₹595 for various vehicles.
Authorities, prompted by social media alerts and complaints from the legitimate toll plaza, finally intervened after a prolonged period of illegal activity. The district administration, despite conflicting statements, has taken firm action, filing an FIR against the culprits for extortion, fraud, and breach of trust.
This discovery comes close on the heels of another scandal involving fake government offices that siphoned off approximately ₹18.5 crore from public funds in central Gujarat. The unfolding of these deceitful setups highlights the need for stringent measures to safeguard against such fraudulent practices and protect public resources.
