A major controversy has erupted at Mussoorie’s iconic Mall Road regarding the unauthorized entry of vehicles during restricted hours. The local King Craig Taxi Association has uncovered a “taxi entry scam” where special entry permits, originally issued for official government work, were allegedly being misused to ferry tourists.

The Modus Operandi According to reports, the Municipal Council had issued special permits for the 2025-26 financial year to several vehicles (including DL1CA 9541 and DL3CF 9793) under the name of Rajeev Jain, IRS, Deputy Director of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Dehradun. While these passes were intended for official duty, the taxi association claims they were being used by a private homestay near Club Mahindra to transport tourists to and from the Mall Road.

Caught in the Act The scam came to light when members of the King Craig Taxi Association intercepted a Delhi-registered Innova. Upon questioning, the driver, Gaurav Singh Rawat, admitted that the vehicle belonged to a homestay owner and was being used specifically for tourist transfers. Sumit Kumar, President of the association, revealed that the registration of these Delhi-based vehicles has already expired, making their operation in Uttarakhand illegal.

Allegations of Police Negligence The association has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the local police. They alleged that despite being informed of the fraud, the police only issued a minor pollution-related fine and released the vehicle. “This shows that the police are succumbing to the influence of powerful individuals,” said Sumit Kumar. He warned of a massive protest if the unauthorized entry passes are not revoked immediately.

Administrative Action Responding to the allegations, Mussoorie Kotwal Devendra Chauhan stated that a thorough investigation is underway. Municipal Council Executive Officer Gaurav Bhasin confirmed that the matter has been brought to his notice for the first time. He assured that all entry passes linked to the homestay in question would be scrutinized, and any found violating the norms would be cancelled immediately.