Warning: Automen are violent

In the past two weeks Kochiites witnessed three cases of auto drivers attacking the passengers, raising doubts about the claims that Kochi is one of the most peaceful places to live in.

With a large section of middle-class families in the city depending on autorickshaws, the repeated crime incidents by the drivers raise many an eyebrow.

According to the police, the trouble-makers are the auto drivers who come from other parts of the state.

“There is no doubt that there are several drivers with criminal background. But in most of the cases, the auto drivers from rural parts of the district or those coming from other districts were involved. We have become strict with the auto drivers to place meters in the autos. As the next step we will enforce the use of meters,” police said.

The fare charge according to the meter reading is yet to be regularised.

 “We check whether the meter is working. But now we are not looking at whether the charges were taken according to the meter-reading. In the next phase we will compel the auto drivers to charge only according to the meter. For this the cooperation of the drivers is required,” police said.

According to Traffic Assistant Commissioner, Muhammad Rafique, law enforcement activities have started a few months ago and several auto drivers were booked.

“If the public informs us about any misbehaviour from the auto drivers, we will book them in no time. There were over 1,800 drivers booked on the basis of the complaints from the public and for not using meters. The drive will continue,” he said.