Over 5,000 people from Kadakati in Assassuni upazila brought out a procession and held a rally in front of the Deputy Commissioner's office here on Friday protesting toll collection in their area by criminals backed by local body leaders.

Speakers alleged that extortionists like Ganesh Thakur, Touhid, Rabiul Gazi of Kadakati and Dargahpur unions and their accomplices allegedly led by

Dargapur UP Chairman Sheikh Miraj Ali demanded illegal tolls ranging from Tk 5,000 to 20,000 from each well-to-do family in the area.

The meeting was addressed, among others, by former Awami League MP Dr Mokhlesur Rahman, Kadakati UP Chairman Kanak Chandra Sarkar, former Sreeula UP Chairmen Noor Muhammad, advocate Zahurul Haq and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal leader Tuhinuddin.