Kochi: The state police chief on Friday submitted before the Kerala High Court that 36 cases were registered in the state in connection with the tussle between online taxi drivers and auto drivers during 2015-17 and they have taken action in 24 cases. DGP Loknath Behera said that out of these 36 cases, 20 persons were indicted in the crime and four were fined. Police dropped one case and the remaining 14 cases were under investigation.
The police in Kannur, Thrissur, Kozhikode and Kochi had strengthened patrolling and beat duty at bus stands and railway stations where online taxi services are actively engaged. Besides, awareness programmes with the help of trade unions were being conducted among the local taxi/auto service drivers to avoid further conflict.
No untoward incidents were reported from other part of the state except in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode. The police is taking all effective measures to maintain law and order and protect the genuine rights of the online taxi providers throughout the state. The court had ordered the state police to file an affidavit after a Uber driver and a commuter moved the court.
