Mumbai: History-Sheeter Arrested For Extorting Parking Fees

A 25-year-old history-sheeter, Manoj Gowda, was arrested by the MRA Marg police for allegedly extorting money from motorists by charging them to park at a free BMC parking lot on Veer Nariman Road in Fort, Mumbai.

The incident came to light when four motorists complained to the police that Gowda had been charging them Rs 100 per hour for parking. Gowda, a resident of Sundarnagari in Colaba, has a history of crime, with four theft cases registered against him in 2023.

On August 13, Assistant Police Inspector Sandhya Nikam and her team were patrolling the area around 5pm when they spotted Gowda stopping and parking cars near Flora Fountain. The police observed him for some time and found that he was allegedly collecting money from motorists.

When questioned, Gowda admitted that he did not possess any licence or authorisation from the BMC to operate a parking facility. He allegedly tried to flee after being confronted, but the police chased and detained him.

During frisking, the police recovered four keys belonging to different cars and Rs 400 in cash from Gowda. He was subsequently taken to Hutama Chowk Beat No. 3 and booked under Section 318(4) (cheating) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The BMC provides free parking facilities in the city, and it is illegal for anyone to charge motorists for parking in these areas. The arrest of Gowda is a significant step in curbing such illegal activities and ensuring that motorists are not exploited.

The MRA Marg police have been cracking down on such illegal activities in the area, and this arrest is a result of their efforts. The police have urged motorists to be aware of such scams and to report any incidents of extortion to the authorities.

The incident highlights the need for motorists to be vigilant when parking their vehicles in public areas. It also underscores the importance of reporting any suspicious activities to the police, which can help prevent such crimes from occurring.

In recent times, there have been several instances of extortion and cheating in Mumbai, and the police have been working to curb such activities. The arrest of Gowda is a significant step in this direction, and it is expected to serve as a deterrent to others who may be involved in similar activities.

The BMC has also been taking steps to improve parking facilities in the city and to prevent such illegal activities. The corporation has been working to increase the number of parking lots and to improve the security at these facilities.

In conclusion, the arrest of Manoj Gowda is a significant step in curbing illegal activities in Mumbai. It highlights the need for motorists to be aware of such scams and to report any incidents of extortion to the authorities. The police and the BMC must continue to work together to prevent such crimes from occurring and to ensure that motorists are not exploited.