Congress guns for vehicle towing agency in Mumbai

Allege nexus between company and IAS officer 'close to CM'.

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Sanjay Nirupam
Sanjay Nirupam

Mumbai Congress President Sanjay Nirupam said on Friday that Vidharbha Infotech Pvt. Ltd, which has contract of towing vehicles in Mumbai, doesn't have expertise in this work. Asking for an investigation by a competent officer, Nirupam alleged that the software solutions company got work contracts wherever IAS officer Pravin Darade was posted.

"In the case of towing contract, there was a condition for Rs 50 crore bank guarantees that's why smaller companies are unable to bid. Why has Vidharbha Infotech given an office space at traffic police's headquarters for free? Since this company got contract, towing charges in Mumbai has increased from Rs 400-Rs 600. We're getting to see inhuman instances like mother's being towed with their kids," said Nirupam.

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Though, no proof was provided by the politician to link the bureaucrat and the company, he alleged that it can't be a mere coincidence that since the government has come to power, this company has received 10 contracts.

"Darade has been given a bungalow in Mumbai till he retires. Never has this happened in the country before. I am just asking for an enquiry in the case," he added.

Nirupam alleged that before coming to Chief Minister's office, Darade was Chairperson of Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT), the same company got a contract. When he was transferred from CMO to MMRDA as Additional Metropolitan Commissioner, the same company got a contract.

CM's office sent a statement clarifying that allegations made by Nirupam are baseless. Neither the Chief Minister's office nor Praveen Darade has to do with towing van contract which has been awarded by traffic police. In fact, KPMG was appointed as a consultant for the contract. This agency suggested the use of ultra modern hydraulic cranes for towing operations and based on this suggestion, traffic police called for tenders.

The Maharashtra towing Association and other contractors have moved to High Court over this contract and the state government has called for a report from Mumbai police. The report is with the government and will be placed before the High Court.

WATCH VIDEO | Mumbai: Traffic officials tow car with woman, baby inside