Seized vehicles worth lakhs submerge in Tapi

Surat: Over 1 ,000 vehicles seized by city traffic police for violation of traffic rules were submerged in Tapi waters at Umra riverbank here on Saturday. Locals had apprehended this in the past, but the cops were unable to find a solution to the issue.

Despite reminders, owners of motorcycles, autorickshaws, goods vehicles, trucks, tankers and vans never approached the cops for their release.

A scenic place for offering prayers and also a popular hangout has been turned into a dump yard by the cops, people alleged.

Traffic police started dumping seized vehicles at the spot a few months ago. Locals raised objections, but no one bothered, making situation worse for them.

“Residents of the area made several representations to municipal corporation, but no action was taken. Police cannot block riverbank like this,” said a local resident, who does not wish to be quoted.

Traffic police officials claimed that they were trying to solve the issue, but the vehicle owners should come to get their vehicles released.

“All the vehicles have been seized for traffic rule offences and police are working to dispose them of to their owners. But most owners never try to get their vehicles back,” assistant police commissioner, traffic, B N Dave told TOI.

Around 100 vehicles were sent to different police stations since they were stolen from areas under their jurisdiction.

“Police have initiated process to seek permission from court to sell the vehicles through auction,” Dave added.