PATNA: Taking exception to the non-compliance of his show-cause notice within 15 days, Patna zonal IG
Nayyar Hasnain Khan on Monday sent a reminder to Patna traffic SP Prantosh Kumar Das to reply within a week on the alleged irregularities in the tender process and functioning of the private jambuster service in the state capital.
The reminder has also been sent to the private firm Swadesh Towing Agency to reply within a week. The firm was operating 11 cranes from Dumraon Chowki, Hartali Mor, Voltas Mor and Gandhi Maidan traffic police station for towing away two-wheelers and four-wheelers from the no-parking zones. The service was inaugurated by Patna divisional commissioner Anand Kishor and Das at Gandhi Maidan on August 7, 2016 and it continued its operations till the IG stopped it on January 22 this year with immediate effect. The traffic SP and the firm were served show-cause notice the same day.
The IG had also ordered the SP and the firm to submit the details of total fine collected from vehicle owners during the period of jambuster service. But the details have not been submitted yet.
“If the SP fails to reply again within a week, it shall be deemed that he has nothing to say in connection with the issue on which he was ordered to reply,” the IG’s Monday order reads.
The IG, after receiving multiple complaints against the service, had set up an inquiry committee headed by Patna SSP Manu Maharaaj on November 11 last year. The inquiry report indicated several irregularities, including in financial and tendering process and high-handedness of the private operators against common people while towing away their vehicles.
“The pattern on which the fine was collected and the amount of revenue generated for the government as well as for the private operator are under question. The SSP, in his inquiry report, has highlighted these issues. Legal course of action over the irregularities might be taken in the later stages on the basis of the replies,” the IG added.
Traffic SP did not pick up TOI’s call despite attempts made several times to contact him.
