Tourist’s allegation: BJP, BMS take out protest march in support of Munnar taxi drivers

The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took out a protest march to Munnar police station on Wednesday in support of three taxi drivers from the hill station against whom action was taken by the police and the Motor Vehicles department (MVD) after a video alleging mistreatment of a woman tourist went viral. A group of local taxi drivers allegedly blocked his vehicle claiming that online taxis were banned in Munnar.

Protesters claimed that the police had filed a fake case against the drivers. “Taxi drivers have expressed concern that they will only lose their livelihood if online taxis are allowed to operate,” said Balamurukan, a BJP leader. “The police should withdraw the case against the drivers and the MVD should not revoke the drivers’ licenses and permits. The government should also withdraw the suspension against the two police officers,” he added.

for six months

Meanwhile, MVD suspended the licenses of three drivers on Wednesday. Adimaly Joint Regional Transport Officer (RTO) James CJ said the licenses have been suspended for six months. “The permit cancellation process will be initiated according to the police report,” the official said.

In a three-minute video, assistant professor Janvi from Mumbai, who has visited several places in the state, alleged that local taxi drivers and police harassed him during his recent visit to Munnar on October 30.

After the video went viral on social media, Munnar police filed a suo motu case and arrested three taxi drivers. Transport Minister KB Ganesh Kumar ordered the MVD to suspend the licenses and permits of taxi drivers. Idukki District Superintendent of Police KM Sabu Mathew suspended two police personnel attached to Munnar police station for failing to provide timely assistance to the tourist.