Towing issue: Araga Jnanendra in problem solving mode after criticism

Amid a slew of complaints against towing operators hired by the Bengaluru Traffic Police, Home Minister Araga Jnanendra has called a high-level meeting at the Vikasa Soudha today evening to discuss the matter.

Addressing presspersons Araga Jnanendra said, “Previously, illegally parked vehicles were towed by our own personnel, but this was later outsourced to towing companies. We will review the decision and find an amicable resolution and make sure that no common man suffers because of this.”

“I have called a meeting with this regard today. I promise we will come up with the solution soon,” he said.

He further assured that strict action will be taken against the police officers who violate law and order.

His statement comes in the wake of a video that shows a Zomato employee running after a towing vehicle.

In Jeevan Bima Nagar, towing officials lifted the bike of a food delivery executive despite his presence nearby.

The executive was seen in a video running behind, pleading with the officials to return his vehicle even as food packets due for delivery fell onto the road from his bike.

Eyewitnesses also claimed that the towing officials made no announcement while lifting the vehicle.

The video was widely shared on social media platforms. Users had lambasted the police while sympathizing with the delivery agent.

The issue even necessitated chief minister Basavaraj Bommai himself chairing a meeting on January 31. He reportedly ordered officers to scale down the towing exercise in Bengaluru till further review.

Bommai said he was informed of the tussle between the common man and private towing companies, who have been hired by traffic police to remove vehicles that violate parking laws.

“While we expect all citizens to follow the law, we will not tolerate high-handedness of towing companies or the police in trying to implement it,” Bommai said.

“We will soon issue a new towing policy for the state,” Bommai had said.