Meerut | December 12 : One of the biggest hubs for illegal trade in spare automobile parts in India, Sotiganj Market in Meerut, has braked almost to a halt.
For years now, Sotiganj Market, has been known to be the place where vehicles stolen from western Uttar Pradesh and Delhi are brought to be dismantled. In July and August this year, the Gangsters Act was slapped against nearly 50
people accused of illegal trade in spare parts. Officials said they made large recoveries of automobile items from mechanics and shopkeepers.
Sunday’s notices seeking GST registration and other paperwork were issued to the shops whose names came up during investigation into the cases.
The biggest success of the authorities has been in capturing Haji Galla and Haji Iqbal, allegedly the kingpins of the trade, who surrendered two months ago along with their sons. While Haji Galla is in judicial custody, Haji Iqbal is out on bail due to health reasons.
The notices served to the shopkeepers at Sotiganj Market Sunday gave them five days to provide legal paperwork for their establishments. “This way, the illegal shops will not be able to function and the legitimate shops will be brought under legal purview.”
