PERNEM
Attempts to put forth their respective grievances before Pernem MLA Pravin Arlekar at his residence in Dhargal took a violent turn when local taxi operators and operators from the GoaMiles app-based taxi service clashed on Thursday.
The incident took place as local taxi operators had gone to meet Arlekar at his residence.
The local taxi operators claimed that their issues had not been resolved even though Mopa airport has started over a year ago.
Coincidentally, the GoaMiles taxi operators had also reached the MLA’s house at the same time to highlight their problems.
Situation turned tense outside the MLA’s house as both sets of taxi operators began hurling allegations against each other.
While local taxi operators alleged that some GoaMiles taxi operators are quoting reduced rates, the GoaMiles taxi operators levelled counter allegations. A KTC employee present at the spot was questioned about his presence in the meeting. The verbal sparring turned into physical clashes between members of both groups outside the MLA’s residence.
One GoaMiles taxi operator was assaulted and a crowd rushed to his support. A police team was unable to stop the fight.
Pernem MLA Pravin Arlekar then intervened and stopped the fight.
The local taxi operators stated that they had invested in the taxi business in the hope of getting business, but complained that their issues had not yet been resolved by the State government.
The local taximen alleged that GoaMiles taxi operators have come from outside the State and are snatching away their business.
They also appealed to the government to take strict action against government employees who are operating and doing businesses with GoaMiles.
Arlekar made it clear that while he would side with the local taxi operators from Pernem, all taxi operators, whether local taxis or GoaMiles, should offer the safe fare to passengers.
