Bangalore : Notwithstanding the fact that the authorities state otherwise, the practice of Hafta collection is still present big time in the city. As a testimony to this fact, a person pretending to be a cop was caught on camera seeking Hafta from the street vendors at Majestic.

This incident took place on August 7 late in the evening near the roads that lead into the Kempe Gowda Bus Stand, which are filled with several street vendors displaying their wares.

The incident, which was videotaped by a citizen journalist, caught the attention of the Hafta seeker who objected and abused the videographer and shortly thereafter fled the place.

When the Citizen Journalist asked the street vendors about the occurrence, they stated that it was a common routine for them, as they had to pay Hafta regularly failing which the police would not allow them to continue their business.

The shopkeepers on the adjacent road who possess valid licenses, stated that these street vendors don’t possess license, yet continue to do brisk business by making themselves look very poor and vulnerable. However that is not the case, as they earn hefty margins from their sales and do not pay taxes or any other rent apart from small Hafta amounts. They lamented that if they go to object against these illegal vendors, the consequences are often bad.

The videographed footage has been sent to the Police Commissioners Office, who have responded saying that the video has been forwarded to the DCP (West) and Upparpet Police Station and is pending enquiry.The identity of the person is yet to be ascertained.