Poor public transport and strike of State Transport buses are forcing labourers and other commuters to use illegal means of transport from Ghodbunder to Vapi. Illegal passenger transportation has been carried out in Maruti Eco vehicles near Fountain Hotel at Ghodbunder Road, Varsave. Hundreds of vehicles are being plying to Vapi, Surat direction. Youth Congress met DCP (Zone 1) Amit Kale and alleges that this illegal to and fro of the vehicles are taking an organized crime shape. They sidelining local youth and monopoly has been generated by the one Kalpesh Bhoir alias Kumar Bhoir, a resident of Manor.
The traffic branch of the Mira Bhayander – Vasai Virar police has launched a special drive several times against such vehicles on its vicinity on highway. However, problem raked up after few days. Youth Congress delegation met DCP Kale and Non-cognizable offence registered against the Bhoir.
Deep Kakade speaks
The Youth Congress State unit member and Youth Congress MB unit President Deep Kakade said, “A large number of Maruti Eco vehicles are plying without documents. More than the permitted commuters they take. If local drivers tried to do the same then like mafia Bhoir creating severe nuisance against them here.
He said these vehicles were used for illegally ferrying passengers for small sums because of lack of public transport and the fringe areas. Moreover, the illegal vehicles were creating traffic congestion at one-side, he said.
Kakade sought strict action against Bhoir.
“The Constitution gives the individual freedom to do whatever he wants. However, when the youth of Ghodbunder go ahead with this business, Kalpesh Bhoir and his gang of thugs attack the youth by stopping their vehicles in a secluded area of the highway. They blow up their vehicles and threaten them. Use abusive language against the local youth,” said Siddhesh Rane, President, Youth Congress, Mira Bhayander.
Manor resident Dipesh Kamble said, “The services offered by illegal vehicles are cheaper than private buses. We stay in the fringe areas and travelling has always been a problem. Time and again, we have raised the issue of starting public transport in fringe areas, but all our pleas have fallen on deaf ears. We have no other choice but to use such transport.”
Offence Registered
Ferrying passengers in illegal vehicles increases the chances of accidents. And, if there are mishaps, it becomes difficult for victims to claim insurance.
After DCP Kale instructed Traffic unit Inspector Ramesh Bhame, a non-cognizable offence report registered at Kashimira Police Station against Bhoir. Police has booked him under section 504 and 506 of the IPC.
Bhame said that he has launched a special drive to take action against illegal transports. We have taken actions on vehicles like autorickshaws, vans, cars and multi utility vehicles found illegally ferrying passengers.
