Rs 400 to park Alto car! Mayor VV Rajesh busts illegal parking fee scam in Attukal

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Thiruvananthapuram Mayor foiled a scam attempt by a private individual during Attukal Pongala. The individual was charging excessive money on the pretext of providing parking facilities for vehicles arriving for the Pongala. The system was set up without even taking permission from the corporation. Rs 400 was charged to park an Alto car. The amount was more for taxi cars.

A few people who understood the fraud informed the Mayor about the incident. Mayor VV Rajesh reached the spot in no time and confronted the individual, who was visibly shaken at the realisation of being caught finally.

“400 rupees for an Alto car? Seriously? What sheer nonsense is this? At the first place, you are doing this without a license and that too, exploiting the devotees in the worst manner. You should have shown them a little respect. This is not right, and we will not allow this,” said Mayor Rajesh to the individual.

After so much pleading from the individual, the Mayor hesitated to take further action against him. The individual was asked to take a license first from the corporation and charge just Rs 150 for a car.

Tuesday will be a public holiday in the capital district due to Attukal Pongala. The holiday will apply to educational institutions, including schools and government offices. Extensive arrangements have been made for those who come to celebrate Pongala.