For Rajesh, an autorickshaw driver from Mullakkanam Choozhikkara, every working day begins and ends at a police station — not out of compulsion, but for survival.
His autorickshaw is parked inside the station compound each night after an unidentified miscreant allegedly set it on fire three times in the past two years. Following repeated attacks, police advised him to keep the vehicle within the station premises to prevent further damage.
Three arson attacks in two years
The first incident occurred in November 2024, when the vehicle was partially damaged in a fire, forcing Rajesh to spend over ₹50,000 on repairs. In September 2025, the same vehicle was burnt again at the same location and was completely destroyed. Insurance compensation amounted to only ₹39,000.
Determined to continue earning a livelihood, Rajesh purchased another autorickshaw by taking loans and pledging his wife’s gold ornaments. He also installed a CCTV camera near his usual parking spot.
However, in December 2025, the new vehicle was also set ablaze. CCTV footage reportedly showed a masked individual wearing a helmet and carrying an umbrella pouring liquid on the vehicle before igniting it. The accused remains unidentified.
Special team probes case
Following media reports, including coverage by Manorama News, the district police chief constituted a special investigation team led by the DySP of Munnar. Despite the probe, no arrests have been made so far.
Rajesh now walks nearly 1.5 km every morning to collect his autorickshaw from the station and returns it there after work. While the vehicle is safer, he says his personal safety remains uncertain and is considering approaching the Kerala High Court seeking intervention.