Bhatkal: The issue of parking fee collection at Bhatkal's new hi-tech bus stand appears to indicate significant embezzlement. The parking lot lacks a board displaying the contractor's name and other details, yet the parking ticket receipts are printed with "NWKRTC." The officials collecting the fees wear official uniforms, but when questioned, they dismissively say, "We don't know all of them. A tender has been given to collect the parking fee."

According to government rules, if a public place is tendered for parking, a board must be installed displaying the contractor's name, address, phone number, and tender expiration date. Additionally, details of the time-based parking fee rates for different vehicles should also be listed on that board.

Furthermore, the parking lot should have marked boundaries, cleanliness, security arrangements, and possibly CCTV cameras. However, at Bhatkal's hi-tech bus stand, fees are being collected without providing these necessary facilities, disregarding legal terms and conditions.

The parking fee receipt in the name of NWKRTC and the people collecting fees in KSRTC uniforms suggest possible collusion with officers at Bhatkal bus stand. Due to these suspicions, there are demands for higher authorities to investigate this matter.