Kerala Gov warns against unlawful money collection from trailers and trucks

Kochi: The State Government has decided to take stringent action against unlawful collection of money from trailers and trucks at the Kochi port in a bid to curb illegal activities at the port.

A decision to this effect was taken at an all-party meeting convened by the State Industries and Labour Ministers with the port management, port users and trade unions.

Briefing presspersons after the meeting, the Industries Minister, Mr Elamaram Kareem, said that it was decided to stop forthwith all illegal collections from vehicles plying in the port area from Tuesday.

It was also decided to take legal action against those who indulged in illegal collection and the State Government will extend all necessary help through the Industries, Labour and Law enforcement agencies to enforce law and order in Willingdon Island.

The Government, according to the Minister, is of the view that these sort of illegal collections is shameful not only to the port but also to the entire State as it will send wrong signals.

The Government has also instructed the Customs House Agents not to give any illegal money by name kettu kooli to anybody and henceforth there will not be any hindrance to trailers coming from other States. Contractors have every right to hire any lorry for the movement of cargo to and from the port, he added.