Taxi union stages protest in Bhatkal, denies allegations by auto drivers’ body

Bhatkal: The Bhatkal Taxi Drivers and Owners Association staged a protest at the Town Police Station on Tuesday, expressing strong resentment over allegations made by the Auto Rickshaw Drivers and Owners Association. The taxi union also submitted a memorandum to the Police Inspector, addressed to the Bhatkal DySP, calling the accusations baseless and misleading.

Leaders of the taxi association alleged that some auto rickshaw drivers in Bhatkal were operating beyond their legally permitted limits in violation of transport rules. They said the authorised limit for auto rickshaws is seven kilometres, but certain drivers were reportedly ferrying passengers to distant places, including Byndoor.

According to the association, they had only sought clarification from the concerned drivers and requested them to wait for directions from the district administration on the issue.

In the memorandum, the taxi union stated that if auto rickshaws are allowed to operate to far-off destinations without restriction, it would seriously affect taxi drivers who have taken substantial loans to run their vehicles. They clarified that they had only raised their concerns and had neither harassed anyone nor forcibly taken money from any driver.

The union further alleged that false complaints were being filed against taxi drivers and owners to justify what they described as irregular activities by a section of auto rickshaw drivers.

Police Inspector Divakar received the memorandum and assured the delegation that the matter would be examined and appropriate action taken after inquiry.

Taxi Drivers and Owners Association President Ganesh Devadiga, Secretary Jagadish Naik, Naveen Naik Kumta, Ramesh Kotian, Faisal Peezade and several other members were present during the submission of the memorandum.