An Instagram video exposing an alleged parking scam at Kala Ghoda prompted MRA Marg police to conduct a sting operation that led to the arrest of a 36-year-old man accused of illegally collecting money from motorists at a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) parking lot that is officially free to use.
Police registered an FIR on June 23 after verifying videos circulating on Instagram, which alleged that unauthorised persons were extorting money from motorists by posing as parking attendants.
What happened
>> Police acted on viral Instagram videos highlighting the alleged scam.
>> A trap was laid at the free BMC parking lot near Kala Ghoda.
>> The suspect allegedly demanded Rs 100 per hour for “vehicle safety”.
>> Police detained him immediately after the money was handed over.
>> An FIR was registered under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (cheating).
API Dhanashri Kekalekar (right), who led the sting operation, with Head Constable Shivaji Chavan, the complainant in the case. Pics/By Special Arrangement
Accused
Name: Arunendra Kumar Dayashankar Tripathi
Age: 36
Residence: Shivshakti Nagar, near Tata Power, Cuffe Parade
Charge: Cheating under Section 318(4), Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
How the sting unfolded
1 Police received instructions to verify the allegations.
2 API Dhanashri Kekalekar organised a trap.
3 Police Constable Shivaji Chavan, motorist Rakesh Kothari, 32 and panch witness Manoj Mandal, 30, drove into the parking lot, while Kekalekar followed on a scooter.
4 The accused allegedly demanded Rs 100 per hour despite being told the parking lot was free.
5 As planned, Mandal handed over Rs 100.
6 Police immediately detained the suspect.
Arunendra Tripathi, 36, who was arrested for allegedly collecting money from motorists
Police version
According to police, Tripathi was aware that the parking facility was free but allegedly collected money by falsely claiming it was required for parking and vehicle security.
Case at a glance
Complaint filed by: Police Constable Shivaji Chavan, 49
Police station: MRA Marg
Operation led by: API Dhanashri Kekalekar
Location: Free BMC parking lot, Kala Ghoda
FIR date: June 23
Section invoked: 318(4), Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (cheating)
South Mumbai’s recurring parking scam
This is the third such case reported in recent months.
Earlier cases were registered under
>> MRA Marg police station
>> Azad Maidan police station
Areas where similar complaints have surfaced
>> Kala Ghoda
>> Fort
>> Colaba
>> Hutatma Chowk
>> Marine Drive
>> Regal Circle
>> Nariman Point
The allegations involve unauthorised persons collecting money at free parking lots or charging rates higher than the official parking fee.
What triggered the action?
The Instagram videos described the practice as a “parking scam” and urged motorists not to pay anyone at the Kala Ghoda parking facility, claiming the parking lot is free for public use.
What police are investigating
>> Was Tripathi acting alone?
>> Was he part of a larger extortion network?
>> How long had the alleged collection been going on?
>> Were more motorists cheated?
>> Did anyone else benefit from the money collected?
Free or paid? Here’s how to check
Read the signboard: It should clearly mention if parking is free or paid.
Check the tariff: Paid lots must display BMC-approved rates.
Ask for a receipt: Don’t pay without one.
Verify the attendant: Look for an ID card or uniform.
Report it: Call BMC Helpline 1916 or Mumbai Police Helpline 100 if you’re asked to pay at a free parking lot.
0 Comments