Mon Jan 13 03:37:17 UTC 2025: ## Kozhikode Cracks Down on Migrant Sellers and Alms-Seekers at Traffic Junctions
**Kozhikode, Kerala, January 13, 2025** – Kozhikode city is taking a firm stance against migrant sellers and alms-seekers disrupting traffic flow at major intersections. Following a recent State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) order prompted by public complaints, police and motor vehicle department squads have launched a crackdown.
The initiative involves flash inspections to identify and relocate groups obstructing traffic and potentially endangering road safety. A senior traffic police officer stated that previous inaction stemmed from concerns about human rights violations, but the SHRC order provides clearer legal grounds for intervention. The police are monitoring relocated groups to prevent them from simply shifting to other areas.
Taxi operators have reported that many of these individuals are women, often part of larger state-wide networks. Some groups have reportedly resorted to aggressive tactics, including threatening motorists for money after unsolicited windshield cleaning. Complaints are also rising concerning similar issues at beach tourism destinations. The crackdown marks a significant shift in enforcement, aiming to address a long-standing problem affecting both traffic and the well-being of vulnerable individuals.
First Piper 