An Excise and Taxation inspector has been suspended for allegedly accepting bribe and harassing three farmers at the Information Collection Centre, Moonk here.

Accused Gurjeet Singh has been placed under suspension, Punjab Excise and Taxation Commissioner Anurag Verma said on Monday.

Verma said the complainants -- Labh Singh, Jang Singh and Kuldip Singh -- had said that they used to bring cattle feed (khal) from Haryana and deposit entry tax on the same at the Information Collection Centre (ICC).

On the intervening night of July 9 and 10, they brought cattle feed worth Rs. 60,000. However, the staff posted at the ICC asked them to deposit Rs. 40,000 as entry tax.

Accused Singh then asked them to pay a bribe of Rs. 20,000 and assured them that their vehicle would be allowed to cross the ICC without payment of entry tax.

The complainants paid Rs. 14,000 on the spot and promised to pay Rs. 6,000 subsequently.

Verma said during an inquiry, the Assistant Excise and Taxation Commissioner (Mobile Wing) of Patiala found the allegations prima facie correct. Following which the accused was suspended.

The Excise and Taxation Commissioner said if any dealer faces any problem he can lodge complaint at the department's helpline number.

The department also appointed Assistant Excise and Taxation Commissioner S S Bangar, AETC, as nodal officer to deal with such complaints.