625 rickshaw operators booked for flouting fare rules
Complaints of passengers being fleeced
THE GOAN NETWORK
BELAGAVI
Intensifying their campaign against defaulting auto-rickshaw drivers, who have been accused of fleecing commuters visiting Belagavi, the police and RTO authorities have booked 625 rickshaw operators for flouting rules of collecting fares as per the meter.
Apart from cancelling licences of 198 rickshaws for flouting the rules, the police have also seized a couple of rickshaws.
Providing details on the fines imposed, CPI Javeed Mushafiri told media persons that the traffic police and RTO authorities collected a penalty of Rs 62,500 from defaulting auto drivers in the city from March 5 to 7, by imposing fine on 625 rickshaws in the city. The campaign that commenced on March 5, continued for the third day on Monday.
“A police officer of the rank of PSI has been posted at important locations in the city like the Central bus terminus, railway station, Chenamma Circle, Bogarves and other places, who imposes fine on autos,” Mushafiri said.
He urged commuters from Goa and other places to come forward and inform the police about unruly auto drivers, who have been trying to intimidate them and found to be violating the tariff as per the meter.
“Our drive can be more effective if commuters and locals could come forward with the number of rickshaw operators flouting rules, so that quick action can be taken,” Mushafiri said.
“Complaints by commuters can also help the authorities in implementing the auto fare as per the meters. Dial 100 to lodge a complaint against rickshaws along with its registration number and action will be initiated immediately,” said Mushafiri.
“This will also instil fear of the law among the unruly auto drivers,” he said.
