Asansol, 25 May (H.S.): A major illegal parking racket involving fake parking slips was exposed on Monday during a crackdown by the Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate near the Asansol bus stand market area. Allegations have also surfaced that some local leaders of the Trinamool Congress were backing the operation.

The police detained four parking workers from the spot and seized a large number of counterfeit parking slips. According to investigators, illegal parking fees were allegedly being collected from long-distance buses, minibuses, two-wheelers and four-wheelers.

During interrogation, the police reportedly learned that a man identified as Honey Singh, a resident of North Asansol, is the main accused behind the network. Raids are currently underway to trace him.

Sources said that after the change in government, several complaints have emerged from different parts of the state regarding alleged illegal occupation of government parking zones and unauthorised collection of parking fees. Allegations suggest that revenue meant for the government treasury was instead being diverted to influential individuals, causing major financial losses to the state.

Police sources further stated that a similar illegal parking operation had been detected in the Asansol market area last Saturday as well, where the name of one Bappa Roy had surfaced. Investigators suspect that the entire network was functioning under the patronage of certain local Trinamool leaders.

State Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul said that a statewide drive against illegal parking operations has already begun and that no unlawful parking activity will be tolerated.

She said all authorised parking zones would now be clearly marked with painted demarcations on roads so that the public can easily identify them. The minister also announced that parking staff would be required to wear designated uniforms and that strict monitoring of parking slips would be carried out to prevent further irregularities.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey