With the police training their guns on autorickshaws, several drivers on Monday gathered at Yeshwantpur Traffic Police Station to protest against the ‘unfair drives’ that they claim have made it difficult to operate in the city.
This year alone, police have filed over 34,000 cases for violating permit rules, including refusal to ply and demanding excess fare. Furthermore, they have recommended suspension of nearly 20,000 licences.
‘Barely 40 per cent’
But Santosh Kumar, Secretary of Autorickshaw Drivers’ Union (ARDU), said, “Yes, there are drivers who fleece customers. But, barely 40 per cent of the cases have targeted such drivers. The rest are against innocent drivers who had been coerced by policemen in mufti.”
He alleged that the drivers at Majestic, Shivajinagar, Yeshwanthpur bus stands and railway stations, who demand excess fare, were being spared.
App-based aggregators
“They have no taken action against app-based aggregators who operate without permits or overcharge. How can drivers be expected to earn a living if they are penalised between Rs. 2,000 and even Rs. 8,000?”
The traffic police said that the cases were filed based on complaints received on their helplines and control rooms.
Auto drivers said that the protests will continue. They plan to submit memorandums to the traffic police at Jalahalli (Tuesday), Hebbal (Wednesday) and Peenya (Thursday.)
On December 22 alone, police registered 5,172 cases and seized 934 autorickshaws
