UPI trails expose Thiruvananthapuram's street food racket; big hotels in the picture

Thiruvananthapuram: Police investigations have uncovered a major racket involving illegally operated street food stalls in the city. According to police checks, large hotels are operating street food stalls at multiple locations through a chain model, allegedly using individuals as a front.

The police recently evicted several illegal stalls, including those operating in the Kuravankonam area. However, some of the stalls have since returned. Authorities have decided to continue strict action against such illegal operations.

Money lands in hotel accounts

Inspections in the Kuravankonam area found that only one person had a valid licence to operate a business there. Several others who had been running food businesses from vehicles and other makeshift structures for a long time were found to be operating illegally.

Checks of the UPI accounts of several operators revealed transactions running into lakhs and crores of rupees. According to the police, these transactions were linked to the accounts of large hotels in the city and surrounding areas.

Major players behind street food stalls

Earlier, street food stalls were largely run by individuals who operated legally in wider road spaces as a means of livelihood. Many of these businesses functioned in accordance with regulations, with some receiving financial assistance under various government schemes.

However, authorities have now found that large hotel owners are increasingly using such individuals as a front to operate food stalls at multiple locations.

Food prices at these stalls have also risen sharply. Authorities said quality checks and price regulation are rarely carried out. In several places, prices are higher than those charged at the hotels themselves.

Food is reportedly supplied to many street food stalls by large hotels. The same groups are also allegedly running stalls at multiple locations, with food prepared at a central facility and transported in vehicles for sale.

Illegal street food stalls have been operating in several areas, including Vazhuthacaud, outside University College in Palayam, near the Medical College Hostel, Paruthippara and around the Karyavattom campus.

The police had evicted such stalls a year ago, but many resumed operations allegedly with the support of certain politicians and others. This has prompted renewed and intensified enforcement.

Businesses operating by encroaching on roads

Many of the stalls are being operated by completely encroaching on roads, authorities said. Some vendors also leave items such as shamianas and other structures piled up along the roadside even after business hours, causing inconvenience to commuters.

The Supreme Court has recently observed that unobstructed movement on footpaths is a fundamental right. The police, therefore, have the authority to remove such encroachments.

The Corporation has the power to designate specific areas as Food Streets where street food stalls can operate legally.

Police permission also required

Police permission will now be mandatory for setting up street food stalls along roadsides. Applications will have to be submitted to the concerned Traffic Assistant Commissioner.

The police will inspect the proposed location and assess whether operating a stall there could cause traffic congestion or create other problems.

Locations to be designated: Mayor

Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V.V. Rajesh said it had become clear that several street food stalls were being operated by major players.

"Locations where business can be legally conducted will be designated soon," he said.

He added that the removal of illegal street food stalls would continue with the assistance of the police.

Action will continue: Police Commissioner

City Police Commissioner Dr Arul R.B. Krishna said illegal street food stalls that obstruct the free movement of people could not be permitted under any circumstances.

He said it was the responsibility of the police to implement the Supreme Court's ruling in this regard.

Food safety inspections tightened for Onam

Meanwhile, the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has intensified food safety inspections ahead of Onam as part of its Onam Squad food safety initiative.

Inspections will focus on products including papad, jaggery, ghee and coconut oil. Officials will check details such as licence and labelling information, manufacturing dates and batch numbers.

Restrictions will also be imposed on establishments distributing Onam sadya through online platforms, Corporation authorities said.

Inspections will be intensified at hotels, restaurants, catering establishments and cloud kitchens.

M.R. Gopan, chairman of the Corporation's Health Standing Committee, said strict action would be taken against violations during the festive season.