Towage of vehicles for violating traffic rules is commonplace in the city, but a shocking revelation has recently come to light. It is alleged that the traffic police and private contract employees are colluding to earn over 50,000 rupees daily, but the public is not being issued a proper receipt. Now, questions arise as to where this money is going.
The Towing Game and Embezzlement of Receipts
At major intersections in the city, traffic police vehicles tow vehicles parked in no-parking zones and take them to the police station. The towing area is limited to BMC Chowk, Guru Nanak Mission Chowk, Kachari Chowk, Ladowali Load, and the bus stand. The fine for towing vehicles from no-parking zones is 1,150 rupees. However, receipts of only 500 rupees are issued at the police station counter. Deepak Kaul, a resident of Cantt, complained about this matter to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who, via email, ordered an investigation by the Jalandhar District Magistrate.
City Residents’ Experiences
Deepak Kaul stated that he had parked his car near Plaza Chowk in Civil Lines. When he returned, his car had been towed. A fine of ₹1,150 was demanded, but a receipt was issued for only ₹500. When he questioned the matter, the remaining amount was written off as the towing van fee. Several other individuals also told the court that they were also given two separate receipts, further compounding the allegations.
What is the daily revenue?
Approximately 50 vehicles are towed daily in the city. Experts estimate that this generates ₹57,000 a day and approximately ₹1.7 million a month. Residents say this matter deserves an impartial investigation to expose the exploitation being perpetrated in the name of traffic rules.
