The Minister said the State government would not spare drivers involved in ‘violence or acts of vandalism’. Their driving licenses would be cancelled
Illegal auto stand demolished in Master Canteen: Odisha government has adopted a tough stance against auto-rickshaw drivers accused of creating disturbances in Bhubaneswar’s Master Canteen area on Wednesday. Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Minister Krushna Chandra Mohapatra said the auto drivers involved in violence will have to compensate for the damage in the city.
A recent protest by online cab and bike-taxi drivers in Master Canteen area has sparked criticism across political and public circles. Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Minister Krushna Chandra Mohapatra on Thursday termed the incident, in which innocent people were allegedly attacked and government vehicles damaged, as inhuman. The Minister said the State government would not spare drivers involved in ‘violence or acts of vandalism’. Their driving licenses would be cancelled, while the loss caused by the disturbances would be recovered from those responsible. Minister Mohapatra also stressed that ensuring the safety of the general public was the government’s responsibility and said such incidents would not be tolerated.
Meanwhile, police have demolished an auto-rickshaw stand operated by an auto drivers’ association near Master Canteen Square in Bhubaneswar. A JCB was used to remove the stand and clear the parking area where autos were being kept.
Several vehicles have been seized by police, and proceedings under the Motor Vehicles Act have been initiated. Authorities have also begun steps to cancel permits of vehicles seized from the Lower PMG area for the alleged violations. According to reports as many as 16 police personnel were injured and 11 police vans were damaged by the protestors.
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