Police continue to collect mamool' even when vendors are hit by Covid crisis

Hyderabad: Raju (name changed) works at a stall at the Paradise-Patny stretch, selling breakfast food and is known for his salesmanship that lures customers to his eatery. He can also be seen subtly handing over Rs 500 to the police patrol which drives by every night.

“It’s a common fixed rate for all the vendors here. Everyone pays Rs 500 per day. There are between eight and ten vendors each night on this stretch. Though initially it felt like a lot from what we manage to make, they (the cops) do help us by tipping off when ‘bade saab’ (the DCP) is patrolling the area,” Raju said.

In 2020 alone, Rs 500 per day from one person totals to Rs 1,56,500 in the whole year, excluding Sundays.

“Street food has always been looked down upon. After Covid crisis, we are ignored due to hygiene issues. Yet, we work with what we have and serve those who still show up. It has been very difficult to find other jobs and we had extra expenses in the form of buying gadgets for children for their online classes last year,” said a pushcart vendor on SD Road.