Palghar, Maharashtra: The Vasai traffic department has intensified its efforts to tackle the growing issue of illegal Magic vehicles, Eco cars, and private buses operating unlawfully in the city. In a two-day operation, the police seized ten Magic vehicles, two Eco cars, and two private buses, all of which were found to be operating at low fares without proper documentation. This comes after a previous crackdown, during which 66 illegal rickshaws were confiscated. The operation is being led by Senior Police Inspector Prashant Langhe and his team, who have vowed to continue their relentless efforts to clear the streets of unlicensed vehicles.

Langhe stated that the crackdown will continue as part of their broader strategy to reduce illegal vehicle operations and improve traffic flow in the region. Local residents have welcomed the move, noting that while it may take longer to find available rickshaws or private vehicles, the reduction in traffic congestion has been significant. Many residents are calling for the ongoing action to ensure safer and smoother commutes in the area.

The surge in illegal vehicles on the roads has also sparked protests from local rickshaw unions. These unions have demanded that the authorities take stronger action against the illegal Magic vehicles, private buses, and unregistered auto-rickshaws, which are significantly undercutting the earnings of legitimate rickshaw drivers by offering lower fares.

On Saturday, rickshaw drivers held a rally from Santosh Bhavan in Nallasopara East to the station, calling for immediate action to curb the presence of illegal vehicles. The protest intensified on Monday morning when tensions between Magic vehicle drivers and rickshaw drivers led to a confrontation and eventually a scuffle. The police registered a case against the rickshaw drivers involved in the altercation, prompting dozens of rickshaw drivers to stage a roadblock protest, demanding stronger enforcement of regulations.

The ongoing tensions between the two groups has raised concerns about how the traffic department is handling the situation. In response, Langhe and his team have increased their efforts to seize illegal vehicles. He emphasized that the operation will not stop until the streets are cleared of illegal vehicles. Langhe also reminded licensed drivers that they must comply with regulations and warned that any driver found operating without the proper uniform, license, or badge, or carrying excess passengers, would face legal consequences.