Major Scam Exposed at Atraula Toll Plaza by STF Lucknow

Scam Exposed at Atraula Toll Plaza: In a significant crackdown, the Special Task Force (STF) based in Lucknow has successfully uncovered a major toll collection scam at Atraula Toll Plaza. Following complaints of financial irregularities, the STF, led by Inspector Deepak Singh, carried out a detailed raid late Tuesday night. The operation led to the arrest of three toll plaza employees involved in the fraudulent activities. FIR has been lodged at Lalganj Police Station and the accused have been sent to police custody for further interrogation.

Preliminary findings suggest that this scam could potentially amount to approximately 120 crores of rupees. The accused individuals—Raju Mishra from Meja Ranipur in Prayagraj, Manish Mishra from Sidhi Majhouli in Madhya Pradesh, and Alok Kumar Singh from Sarai Khwaja in Jaunpur—allegedly manipulated software to underreport actual toll collections, causing significant losses to government revenue.

Further investigation by the STF has revealed that similar fraudulent practices extend beyond just Atraula Toll Plaza. Initial reports indicate that irregularities have been found at 42 other toll plazas across the state. The accused, through the development of custom software, systematically siphoned off millions, diverting the toll money into private accounts.

The STF has now registered multiple cases under various sections of the law, including fraud and conspiracy. The toll plaza staff, along with the officials responsible for overseeing these operations, are being scrutinized. ASP Operations, OP Singh, who initiated the probe, stated that action would be taken against all individuals involved in this massive scam.

Authorities have intensified surveillance at other toll plazas, and further steps are being planned to curb such fraudulent activities. The STF is expected to provide more details as the investigation progresses, but it is clear that this scam could reach hundreds of crores in total, with Atraula Toll Plaza alone responsible for an estimated loss of 120 crores.

The public and government officials have been urged to remain vigilant, as this incident highlights the urgent need for stronger oversight and stricter monitoring at toll collection points across Uttar Pradesh.