Patna, Jan. 30: For those who think they can forcibly collect subscription for Saraswati Puja and get away scot-free, think again. Police have decided to take strong action against such offenders and have asked all puja committees to register themselves with the nearest police stations.

But the police may have quite a task at hand if they want to ensure that no one is forced to shell out subscription money.

“The scheme is impractical. Saraswati Puja, which falls on February 8 this year, is celebrated in every locality. Some of them even have two or three pujas. How can the police register all of them?” a police officer told The Telegraph, on the condition of anonymity.

Earlier this week, senior police officers had asked all the police stations in the city to register all the puja committees under their jurisdiction and maintain a database of their office-bearers. People harassed by subscription collectors can call up the police control room on 0612-2201975/76/ 77/78.

A source said the police had decided to act tough on forcible collection of subscription, as it has led to unfortunate events in the past.

Recently, Sunny Kumar Raushan, an MBBS student, committed suicide, because of alleged harassment by seniors for refusing to pay Rs 1,200. Residents of the capital too have faced the heat of forcible subscription collection.

“This is a very serious issue. Groups of men maintain vigil on roads. They intercept motorists and hand over a slip with an amount written on it. If they motorist refuses to pay, the scene gets nasty,” said Gardanibagh resident Gautam Kumar Singh.

“There are many places in the city where police presence is minimal. Nights are safer for these subscription collectors. They target all kinds of vehicles — from mini buses to two-wheelers,” said Rajesh Kumar, a betel shop owner in Kankerbagh.

Rajesh also said shopkeepers were not spared either. “When subscription collectors come to our shops, they accept nothing less than Rs 501. We can do nothing but pay up. Refusing them leads to trouble,” added Rajesh.

Deputy superintendent of police (law and order) Lalit Mohan Sharma said people generally do not lodge a complaint about the harassment they are subjected to.

“Formal complaints are not lodged. If people are harassed, they must apprise us and help us bring the troublemakers to book,” said Sharma.