Police and the Motor Vehicles Department in Kozhikode city have implemented strict measures to address the issues caused by migrant sellers and alms-seekers at major traffic junctions. This initiative follows a directive from the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC), which responded to public complaints regarding these practices that hinder traffic flow and compromise road safety.
Authorities have begun conducting surprise inspections at key intersections to identify these groups. A preliminary report has already been submitted to higher officials based on initial inspections in the city. For years, inadequate action from road enforcement squads allowed these individuals to operate freely at busy traffic points. Reports have emerged of small children being forced to accompany these sellers under harsh conditions, including extreme heat.
A senior traffic police officer noted that previous reluctance to address this issue stemmed from concerns over human rights implications. However, the recent SHRC order empowers enforcement squads to take more decisive actions. Efforts are also underway to ensure the safe relocation of these groups to other parts of the city.
Taxi operators from the Malaparamba and Thondayad regions have highlighted that a majority of these migrant sellers and alms-seekers are women, often part of organized groups operating throughout the State. Some have even been reported to threaten motorists after voluntarily cleaning vehicle windshields.
Additionally, complaints regarding organized groups, including rough sleepers, around popular beach tourism areas have been on the rise.
