For months together, many shops functioning round-the-clock at the integrated bus stand at Mattuthavani had not paid the rent to the Corporation.
This was unravelled when a team of officials, led by Corporation Commissioner Kathiravan, visited the bus stand on Wednesday.
After the Corporation received a number of complaints that many hawkers had set up shops on their own encroaching upon the pathway at the bus stand, the Commissioner undertook a surprise inspection. During the check, officials found that some of the eatery outlets had altered the shops to suit their business needs.
For instance, the absence of rolling shutters in many of outlets showed that they functioned round-the-clock.
Even if the officials wanted to seal the shops for violations, they would not be able to do so. Seeing this, Mr. Kathiravan directed those outlets to immediately fix proper doors.
Similarly, when some of the shopkeepers admitted to not having paid rent for many months, he directed the officials to recover the arrears within a week.
Mr. Kathiravan also warned the officials of stern action if they failed to collect the rent arrears.
The seized goods, which included food items, were being sent to destitute homes, while other goods were ordered to be kept in Corporation custody, an official press release said.
Many outlets functioned without shutters and officials would not be able to seal the shops for violations, if need be
