Gujarat : BJP MLA Kishore Kanani Exposes Alleged Extortion by Traffic Police on Diamond Artisans

Surat : In a startling revelation, BJP MLA Kishore Kanani, a prominent figure in the diamond hub of Varachha, has penned a scathing letter accusing the traffic police of extorting money from innocent diamond artisans. The letter, addressed to the city police commissioner, alleges that traffic police officers are wrongfully towing vehicles belonging to diamond artisans and demanding hefty sums for their release.

Kanani, also known as Kumar Kanani, has been a vocal critic within his own party, often raising concerns through what he terms as ‘letter bombs.’ This time, his missive is directed at the Commissioner of Police, shedding light on what he claims to be a rampant practice within the Nana Varachha and Sarthana-Kamrej traffic police units.

The BJP MLA alleges that traffic police, particularly in the Sarthana police station area under traffic police Circle-1, are towing vehicles parked outside commercial complexes belonging to diamond artisans. The vehicles of diamond artisans are lifted from the pavements and parking zones and taken to the open grounds. These vehicles are then transported to a vehicle dumping ground, where the artisans are allegedly coerced into paying substantial amounts for the release of their two-wheelers.

Kanani, in his letter, emphasizes the challenging times faced by diamond artisans due to the ongoing recession in the diamond industry. He contends that the traffic police’s actions amount to harassment, compounding the difficulties faced by these artisans who predominantly work in diamond factories.

The diamond industry, a cornerstone of Varachha’s economy, has been grappling with economic downturns, and the alleged exploitation of artisans by the traffic police has further exacerbated their hardships. Kanani asserts that unaware of their vehicles being towed, these artisans, already burdened by economic woes, are forced to navigate the labyrinth of impound lots to retrieve their means of transport.

“This revelation by the BJP MLA raises serious questions about the conduct of the traffic police in Varachha and calls for an urgent investigation into these allegations” said a senior AAP leader in Varachha. “it remains to be seen how the city police commissioner will respond to these accusations and what actions will be taken to address the concerns raised by Kishore Kanani on behalf of the diamond artisans.”