Kozhikode: Another attack on online cabbies

KOZHIKODE: Drivers of online taxi were attacked by other private taxi drivers at three distinct incidents on Friday. According to the police, it was the taxi drivers from CITU who stopped the online taxi drivers from service, citing their loss of income due to the low price charged by these online cabs.

The online taxi drivers on Friday filed a chargesheet against these drivers with Kasaba police station. According to Haridas, Circle Inspector Kasaba police station, the Ola drivers alleged that it is the taxi workers of the district who are behind the attack.

There has been repeating instances of online taxi drivers being either stopped or attacked. The district Collector already had made a discussion with both the teams, but no favorable conclusion was drawn from both sides, as the ordinary taxi drivers of the district continue to be aggressive against their online counterparts.

“Around 12 taxi drivers attacked me from Corporation Stadium junction saying that they won’t allow Ola to run in the district”. “I was with my family and was only freed when my wife pleaded with them,” said Ratheesh P.P, Ola cab driver of the district. It was some hours later, two others, Sujesh C.M. and Sakir, who were attacked. “Many of the drivers among our group have to face such kind of situation and we are even attacked in front of passengers too. No action has been taken yet against these people,” he added.

“A case has been booked in accordance with the complaint registered and action will be taken against the culprits without fail,” said Circle Inspector Kasaba police station.