'Jazya Tax' Terror in Deoghar: Extortionists Target Poor Street Vendors Selling Lemons on Head Demand for 'Dress Code' Rises for Tax Collectors to Prevent Harassment and Fraud

Deoghar: –The collection of municipal taxes in the Deoghar Municipal Corporation area is increasingly resembling the infamous 'Jizya' tax. Those earning a meager living through hard labor on the streets are now the direct targets of aggressive tax collectors. In a shocking display of insensitivity, even small-scale vendors carrying baskets of lemons on their heads are not being spared from harassment.

Extortionists Flee Upon Seeing Journalist:–A distressing incident unfolded on Monday near the Raj Narayan Library on Station Road. A poor vendor, carrying a basket of lemons on his head, was cornered by tax collectors who demanded ?100 in the name of municipal tax. As the helpless vendor pleaded with folded hands, a journalist happened to pass by the spot. Fearing exposure, the collectors immediately fled the scene upon spotting the media person. This incident highlights the growing anarchy on the streets of Deoghar.
Public Demands Dress Code and Identity Cards

Local witnesses, outraged by the event, have raised serious questions regarding the Municipal Corporation’s functioning. Citizens are now demanding:A mandatory Dress Code (Uniform) for all authorized tax collection personnel.
The compulsory display of Official ID Cards to prevent common citizens and poor vendors from being cheated by unauthorized individuals.
Without a uniform, it remains impossible for the public to distinguish between official corporation staff and illegal extortionists.

Mayor’s Warning Falls on Deaf Ears?
It is worth noting that previously, Mayor Ravi Kumar Raut had shared a video highlighting such chaos and promised strict action against those harassing the public. However, the latest incident on Station Road suggests that no concrete measures have been implemented on the ground. The lack of administrative oversight has emboldened these elements, who, after targeting Toto and Auto drivers, are now preying on the most vulnerable street vendors