GURUGRAM: The murder of 27-year-old MNC executive Sunil Kumar Bhatt on Thursday last week has again highlighted the dangers of unregistered cabs playing in the city roads.
Reportedly, the deceased had taken a private cab from Gurugram bus stand, as he was unable to get a bus to go to Haridwar.
Investigations later revealed that the registration number HR29SB-5524 was a fake number.
While crimes range from robberies to attempt of rape and now a gruesome murder, this notorious remains due to shortage of public transportation system in the city.
Even as there is a strict law against the illegal vehicles movement in the city, lack of effective public transportation system has resulted in most of the commuters being dependent on these modes of transportation.
A large number of these vehicles can be seen moving in areas along National Highway-8, Manesar, Gurugram- Faridabad road, Golf Course Road and MG road.
While the autos are still the most popular form of public transport for movement of commuters within the city, the cabs are preferred for commuting to a little distant like, Faridabad, Noida and Delhi.
Last year more than twenty thousand autos went-off the city roads after a massive crack down by the Gurugram Police on the autos operating without legal permits. Later after negotiations the services resumed.
The Gurugram Police claims strict action is also being taken on these illegal cabs. If caught these vehicles need to pay a fine Rs. 2000 as per law, however, there are reports that most of the drivers getting away by paying a bribe of Rs. 100-300 to the field police official. Most of cabs provide transportation services in city MNC's, BPO's and even individual owners.
On the other hands, the thirst of earning quick buck has resulted in most of the drivers allowing their cabs to individual commuters. On their part drivers claim they are being harassed by police and public officials. Lack of providing correct information, usage of black tinted glasses and usage of wrong number plates are some of the major complaints that mainly registered against these vehicles.