Over the past few weeks, the Corporation of Chennai has cracked the whip on several anti-social elements who were found collecting tariff at various free public toilets maintained by the civic body around the city.

The action, following complaints from public about the illegal fee collection, has been intensified since last week, after the officials arrested a 23-year-old youth for collecting fee at a public convenience on MC Road, Royapuram.

Officials, last week, conducted surprise raids at public toilets in Corporation zones five, six, eight, nine, 10 and 13 to verify the complaints.

During the raid, seven persons, who were found fee at public toilets located in wards 59, 74, 100, 125, 136 and 170 of the Corporation, were arrested and remanded.

The Corporation maintains over 900 public toilets around the city which are available for use to the public free of cost.

The civic body has advised the public to refuse to pay for using them.

In case, payment is demanded, the public can also register a complaint at the Vigilance Department of the Corporation or at 1913.