Sultanpur. The revelation of serious allegations against Ashutosh Biswas, manager of Entry Traffic Management System posted at Haliyapur Toll Plaza of Purvanchal Expressway, has created a sensation in the area. Local people and victims say that the manager is using the high-tech CCTV cameras installed at the toll for personal gain. Things ranging from interfering in women’s privacy to blackmailing by making videos are coming to light.

Villagers allege that the cameras are zoomed in to keep an eye on the houses and roads in the surrounding villages—Jaraikala, Haliapur and Gauhaniya. Video clips of women going out for defecation are captured on camera, whose existence in the system has also been confirmed by the toll employees.

Cases of extorting money from young men and women when their love affairs are recorded on camera are continuously coming to light. About two months ago, a case of Rs 10,000 being taken from a young man from Milkipur (Ayodhya) by threatening him in a similar manner was in the news. In an old incident, in a case involving a truck driver and a woman near Km 144, it is also being reported that the patrolling policemen had made a video and collected Rs 2,000.

On October 25 also, a newly married youth resident of Lucknow was returning from Azamgarh with his wife. When the car was stopped near Milestone 93 in Baldirai area, the manager extorted Rs 32,000 by showing CCTV recording. Later, the couple is in panic as the video goes viral on social media.

Complainants also say that in case of accidents, if a vehicle runs away, Ashutosh takes a huge amount and gives it by changing the vehicle number. Due to this, false cases are filed against innocent people and the real accused escape.

UPEDA’s JE Prabhat Singh said that the matter has been taken into cognizance. Investigation is going on and strict action will be taken if the allegations are proved.
As soon as the incident came to light, discussions have intensified in the area. Misuse of high-tech security cameras has also raised serious questions on the security system of the expressway.