VASCO
Shailesh Mayekar, the President of the United Taximen Union, representing about 350 yellow and black taxis at Dabolim Airport, strongly criticised the recent assault on a taxi driver by a tout.
The Union is demanding better measures to stop touting and ensure the safety of both drivers and passengers. They want authorities to take firm action to prevent such incidents in the future.
According to Mayekar, the attack happened very early on Tuesday when a tout harmed a taxi driver, causing serious injuries that required hospitalisation.
“The incident occurred at around 3 am,” said Mayekar.
“The tout attacked our member at our taxi counter, injuring his nose and breaking his teeth. He’s in the hospital with facial fractures and may need surgery.”
Mayekar noted that touts have been a problem at Dabolim Airport, although their numbers had reduced after a recent meeting with the Dabolim Police.
Former UTU president Sanjay Naik urged the Government and law enforcement to take strong action against touts.
“We have two airports in Goa, a tourist destination, but sometimes tourists are greeted by drunk touts who use foul language and start fights,” said Naik.
Naik mentioned that the union had filed a police complaint and that the police had begun an investigation.
“We’ve given the police all the details we have, but the assailant is still at large,” said Naik.
Naik emphasised the importance of cracking down on illegal taxi operations and touts at the airport, as they not only endanger drivers but also disrupt taxi services.
