Malda, 22 July (H.S.): The police in West Bengal's border district of Malda have launched a special verification drive to identify licensed toto (e-rickshaw) operators following concerns over illegal operations and allegations that Bangladeshi nationals are driving locally registered vehicles.

Under the new guidelines, only the registered owner of a commercial toto will be permitted to operate the vehicle. Authorities have made it clear that no one else will be allowed to drive a toto registered in another person's name.

Local toto drivers alleged that several individuals own as many as 70–80 e-rickshaws and rent them out without verifying the identity of the drivers. They claimed that some Bangladeshi nationals cross the border, drive these vehicles throughout the day in Malda, and return to Bangladesh in the evening. According to them, the practice was more widespread under the previous government but has not been completely eliminated.

Malda Superintendent of Police Anupam Singh said police are identifying illegally operated totos and verifying documents. While no formal complaint has been received regarding Bangladeshi nationals driving e-rickshaws, he said authorities will conduct regular checks of Aadhaar cards and voter identity cards to verify the identity of drivers.

Several toto drivers echoed similar concerns. Gobinda Barman alleged that local vehicle owners rent out their e-rickshaws to people coming from Bangladesh on a daily basis. Ratan Roy claimed that some owners never verify the identity of drivers before handing over their vehicles, while Rajesh Das said such operators accept any fare, making it difficult for local drivers to compete for passengers.

Malda shares a long and porous border with Bangladesh, with several stretches lacking border fencing. Officials said fencing work has gained momentum after the change of government, with land being provided to the Border Security Force (BSF) for the installation of border fencing in vulnerable areas.

The police said the verification drive will continue to ensure compliance with licensing norms and identify any illegal operations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey