ITAHARI: Police personnel stationed at Area Police Office Pakali, Sunsari, are allegedly collecting money against the recommendation letter that they issue for the youths seeking to join the Armed Police Force (APF).

Inspector Chhedilal Kamati and his subordinates ask as much as Rs 150 to 500 for preparing the recommendation letter from the office, according to victim youths.

The APF job aspirant youths accuse that the office has been doing a brisk business after the APF recently invited applications to fill its vacant positions of constable and helpers.

Following the job vacancy notice, hundreds of youths from different eastern districts have thronged Pakali. The regional headquarter of the APF is also located here.

After realising that they were made cough up redundant price for the letter, the youths said that they now wanted their money back and action against the police personnel involved in the money-minting business. "As many as 500 youths have been swindled so far," said one.They also expressed their anger as the authority concerned turned a blind eye to such malpractices.

Inspector Kamati denied the accusation. "We haven't collected money in such a way. And I’m ready to take action if any policeman is involved in such work.''