The Karnataka transport department on June 30 launched a major crackdown on Bengaluru autorickshaws demanding fares above government-mandated rates, registering 260 cases and seizing 98 vehicles in a single-day.
The enforcement drive came in the wake of a directive from Transport Minister R Ramalinga Reddy on June 28, who had called for strict action against autos, especially app-based ones, charging passengers higher fares. The crackdown follows a surge in complaints from commuters after the government banned bike taxis in Karnataka on June 16.
"A drive was launched against autorickshaws charging more than the fare fixed by the government, and those operating illegally in Bengaluru, on June 30 from 8 am. Twenty-two special investigation teams were formed, with two teams deployed from each of the city's regional transport offices," a senior transport official said.
Across the city’s 11 RTOs such as Bengaluru Central, Yelankha, Bengaluru East, etc, the police filed 260 cases and impounded 98 vehicles. Bengaluru South RTO filed the highest number of cases, 48, and impounded 18 vehicles. Bengaluru West was next with 36 cases and impounded 13 vehicles, followed by Bengaluru Central -- 30 cases and 19 vehicles impounded.
“In cases where passengers report being overcharged or rides are cancelled if higher fares are refused, immediate action must be taken. The permits of such autos should be cancelled, and criminal cases must be registered against the violators,” Reddy had said on June 28.
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