Mumbai: Fake Attendants Extort ₹500 Near CSMT

A Mumbai resident has filed a complaint against a group of unauthorised men posing as BMC parking attendants who allegedly extorted ₹500 from him near CSMT.

The incident occurred on August 4 when the complainant parked his vehicle at the MCGM Pay and Park facility. Upon returning, he was approached by a group of men who demanded ₹500 as parking charges.

When the complainant questioned the amount and asked for a valid receipt, the accused insisted on the payment and claimed they were authorised to collect the fee. The complainant attempted to pay through a QR code displayed at the spot but discovered it was linked to a private individual rather than an official BMC or authorised parking operator.

The complainant then refused to make the payment and questioned the legitimacy of the collection. The accused allegedly became aggressive, abused him, and threatened to damage his vehicle if he did not pay the demanded amount.

Fearing for his safety and the safety of his vehicle, the complainant approached the police and lodged a complaint. The police have registered FIR No. 387/2026 at MRA Marg Police Station and launched an investigation into the alleged illegal collection of parking fees and intimidation of motorists.

The police will verify whether the accused were authorised to operate the parking facility and whether similar complaints have been reported from the area. This incident highlights the need for motorists to be cautious when dealing with parking attendants and to ensure they are paying legitimate fees.

The BMC has designated pay and park facilities across the city, and motorists should only pay fees to authorised attendants. In case of any disputes, motorists should contact the BMC or the police immediately.

The investigation is ongoing, and the police are working to identify the accused and bring them to justice. This incident serves as a reminder for motorists to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

The safety and security of motorists are a top priority, and the police are committed to ensuring that citizens can park their vehicles without fear of extortion or intimidation.

In recent years, there have been several instances of fake parking attendants operating in the city, and the police have been working to crack down on these illegal activities.

The registration of the FIR is a positive step towards addressing this issue, and it is hoped that it will serve as a deterrent to others who may be engaging in similar activities.

The incident has also raised concerns about the lack of effective monitoring and regulation of parking facilities in the city. The BMC and the police need to work together to ensure that parking facilities are properly managed and that motorists are protected from extortion and intimidation.

This incident is a reminder that citizens need to be aware of their rights and to report any instances of extortion or intimidation to the authorities. By working together, we can create a safer and more secure environment for all motorists in the city.