Ludhiana: Despite repeated public outcries, the municipal corporation (MC) continues to struggle with “parking mafias” as a local resident documented a blatant overcharging scam and staff misconduct at the Bhadhaur House market.Jagatjot Singh, a resident of Dugri, has filed a formal complaint with MC commissioner Neeru Katyal after parking staff allegedly attempted to extort ₹100 for a five-minute stop. When Singh negotiated, the staff “discounted” the rate to ₹50 — still significantly higher than official MC rates — but refused to provide an authorised receipt or display a rate board.Systematic Extortion AllegedThe complainant noted that the lack of transparency appeared to be a deliberate tactic to facilitate illegal collection. Key violations reported include Absence of mandatory signboards displaying official parking fees, staff who denied issuing an official parking slip, a move typical of “off-the-books” revenue collection, and aggressive behavior when the victim questioned the arbitrary pricing.“I made the payment online and recorded video proof of the staff demanding money without an authorized slip,” Singh stated. He has called for the immediate termination of the contractor’s agreement.MC Promises Inquiry (Again)The recurring nature of these complaints has led to public skepticism regarding the MC’s oversight. While MC Joint Commissioner Vineet Kumar has promised an inquiry, residents argue that without digital monitoring or the cancellation of licenses for repeat offenders, the “parking pirates” will continue to operate with impunity. MSID:: 127990586 413 |
