Following the announcement by Home Minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday that towing of improperly parked vehicles will be reinstated in Bengaluru to ease traffic congestion, public opinions have sharply diverged.
Shopkeepers from bustling areas such as Brigade Road, Commercial Street, and Malleswaram have welcomed the move, anticipating relief from illegal parking and smoother access for customers. They believe this will enhance business flow and reduce road blockages.
Conversely, many city residents remain apprehensive, recalling troubling experiences when towing was previously enforced before being banned in 2022. Several have shared accounts of mistreatment and property damage during vehicle towing. For example, Priya L, a resident of Nagarbhavi, reported that her car was returned with scratches and a broken side mirror after being towed from Indiranagar in 2021. When she confronted the police, they denied responsibility despite her claims.
Similarly, Arman Sharief from RT Nagar highlighted that many vehicles were returned with punctured tires due to being dragged across roads during towing operations. Ranjini (name changed) shared a distressing incident near Commercial Street where she faced rudeness and extortion attempts from a police officer when retrieving her towed bike. The officer even demanded she bring her family members along, only retreating after public intervention.
Despite these concerns, authorities assure improved towing procedures with better oversight to avoid harassment. The decision aims to address Bengaluru’s worsening traffic, though citizens hope the enforcement will be fair and transparent.
Read also;