Chennai: Three persons were booked on Friday for collecting money from the public for using Chennai Corporation's free public toilets. The issue came to light after some users raised complaints about the money collection.
According to a report on Indian Express, Chennai has 7,590 free public toilets mainly set up by the civic body in 943 places across the city.
One such toilet is also functioning from Thiru-Vi-Ka Nagar in Teynampet Zone. The police said that they received a complaint that a group of people was collecting money for using the public toilets. They also gave a police complaint in this regard. Hence, a team was deployed to monitor the issue in the vicinity.
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On Thursday, the police found out that three people were involved in collecting money.
Therefore, the police booked the three members for their act.
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In a release, Chennai Corporation said, urinals and toilets are fixed at a cost of Rs 36 crore in 366 places. New toilets are also being constructed in marketplaces.
Also, the civic body warned the people of action if they are found to be charging the public for using free toilets in Chennai.
The Chennai Corporation also reiterated that public toilets are free for public use. They have also placed boards at facilities to make it clear to the public that no charges should be collected for using the toilets.
In July, 2022, Chennai Corporation booked six persons for collecting money from the public for using free toilets constructed by the civic body. They also issued a helpline number 1913 for residents to report the matter.
The officials also inspected public toilets in Royapuram where frequent complaints were raised by the public.