Bangladesh, Oct. 22 -- Some 30,000 battery-run rickshaws, locally known as tom-tom or easy bike, continue plying illegally on 'pilfered' electricity right under the nose of the authorities in the port city of Chattogram despite a worsening power situation.

The auto-rickshaws operate in various parts of the port city, including Patenga, Baizid, Chalkbazar, CEPZ2, Halishahar, Pahartoli and Bakolia. They also operate widely in the rural areas in Chattogram. They even run on elevated expressways, flyovers, main roads and highways illegally, causing traffic gridlock and accidents.

The vehicles are mostly charged through illegal connections at roadside garages. There are around 282 charging stations in the port city and several hundred more ...