BENGALURU – In response to an alarming rise in complaints regarding harassment and misconduct by auto rickshaw drivers, Bengaluru traffic police have ramped up their enforcement operations. The increased vigilance comes amid a surge in reports from passengers who have faced various forms of abuse while using auto services in the city.
In the first nine months of this year, traffic police stations across Bengaluru have registered a staggering 6,137 cases against auto drivers, reflecting a sharp increase compared to the figures from the previous three years. These complaints encompass a wide array of violations, including refusal to take passengers to designated locations, excessive charging, and even instances of robbery involving mobile phones and cash.
A senior official from the traffic police highlighted the concerning trend: “We’re witnessing various types of violations, including drivers blocking passengers at stands and causing harassment.” This situation has become particularly severe at several auto stands throughout the city, which are often crowded with commuters.
The situation reached a critical point recently when two auto drivers were arrested by Govindrajnagar police after they were reported to have threatened passengers with knives and robbed them of their belongings. Upon interrogation, the suspects admitted to having committed multiple similar offenses, underscoring the scale of the issue.
In another disturbing incident that unfolded over the past fortnight, two female passengers were subjected to verbal abuse by auto drivers, with videos of the incidents rapidly gaining traction on social media. The viral nature of these videos contributed to swift police action and subsequent arrests.
A particularly alarming case involved a woman from Chennai who was visiting the Silk Board area. After experiencing delays with her cab, she opted to take an auto for an agreed fare of ₹300. However, the driver switched on the meter, which displayed a fare of ₹340 for a short distance. When the passenger protested the fare increase, the driver retaliated by demanding 1.5 times the meter rate and verbally assaulted her for refusing to comply.
Passengers have reported several common grievances regarding auto rickshaw drivers:
Fare Manipulation: Drivers frequently demand double the meter fare during night hours, exploiting passengers’ limited options.
Refusal of Service: There have been numerous instances where drivers refuse to take passengers to certain areas, including Kathriguppe and Gangamma Circle.
Harassment at Key Locations: Major transit hubs like Majestic, Jalahalli Cross, and 8th Mile Kengeri have become hotspots for driver misconduct, leading to increased scrutiny from authorities.
In light of these developments, traffic police have expanded their operations to include round-the-clock patrols aimed at curbing these violations. “We’re conducting operations consistently to address these issues,” the police official confirmed. This heightened presence is particularly concentrated in areas where complaints have been most frequently reported, including major transport hubs and residential districts.
Additionally, there have been specific cases that illustrate the proactive approach of the police. An incident involving an auto driver named Kiran from Yamalur resulted in his arrest by the HAL Police Station after he was caught spitting on a car driver during a dispute near Yamalur signal.
The intensified efforts by Bengaluru police to address the issue of auto driver harassment reflect a growing recognition of the need to protect passengers and ensure safe transport services within the city. With a significant number of complaints being lodged, the focus on enforcement will be crucial in restoring trust in auto services and safeguarding the rights of passengers. The ongoing operations serve as a reminder to drivers that misconduct will not be tolerated, and that measures are in place to hold them accountable for their actions.
As the police continue to tackle these issues head-on, it is hoped that the collaboration between law enforcement and the community will lead to a safer and more respectful environment for all commuters in Bengaluru.