The parking mafia in the city hit a new low on Wednesday when display boards with parking rates written on them were found torn. The boards were hollowed by unidentified persons in front of Ansal Plaza Mall and Sarabha Nagar market near Bikaner Sweets which left residents astonished and angered. The recently established paid parking lots at Sarabha Nagar, Ferozepur road and Malhar road are reeling under overcharging problem. The contractors are charging Rs 20 for cars and Rs 10 for two wheelers while actual rate is Rs 10 and Rs 5 respectively. On Wednesday, the boards installed with rates printed on them were found damaged and even the slips being issued by the contractor are distorted. Simple Garg, a student who visited Sarabha Nagar market near Bikaner sweets said, “The board was torn which means that now we cannot even argue with the contractor when he overcharges. Now we have no written proof of MC rates” Despite various committees being formed and checking conducted by MC officials including P S Ghuman and superintendent J S Sekhon the parking overcharging continues to haunt residents. Contacted, MC commissioner Pradeep Aggarwal, said that ‘residents should bring evidence against contractor.’ “I cannot blame contractor without any proof. We will not act on any complaint till there is no proof. I need evidence to prove it in the court of law. I will take action only if I get evidences,” he said to Newsline. He added that ‘boards have to be placed by contractor on his own expense and checking will be done to see if boards have been damaged.’ “I will take action only if someone files a written complaint,” he added.
