Law And Order / ‘What Auto Drivers Did At Master Canteen Was Inhuman’: Odisha Minister Warns Of Strict Action

Bhubaneswar, Aug 20: Auto-rickshaw drivers involved in Wednesday's violent protest in Bhubaneswar would be held responsible for the damage caused during the unrest, Odisha Housing & Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra said on Thursday.

The minister said the state government would not tolerate lawlessness and strict action would be taken against those involved in violence during the protest by online auto and cab drivers at Master Canteen Square.

“What the auto drivers did yesterday was inhuman. They took the law into their own hands, attacked members of the public and damaged government vehicles. Action would be taken against them,” the minister said.

He said the driving licences of drivers involved in the violence would be cancelled and they would not be forgiven.

“The damage that has been caused would be recovered from them,” Mahapatra said, adding that ensuring the safety of the public was the government's responsibility.

Illegal Auto Stands To Be Demolished
The minister said the government was also considering action against illegal auto-rickshaw stands allegedly set up by drivers involved in the violence.

“The illegal auto-rickshaw stands set up by the drivers involved in the violence would be demolished. The government is considering this,” he said.

His comments came a day after the protest at Master Canteen Square turned violent, with more than 20 police personnel injured and several public transport buses damaged during stone-pelting, according to officials.

STA Initiates Action Against Vehicles
Meanwhile, the State Transport Authority (STA) initiated action against vehicles involved in the protest, Additional Commissioner Transport (Road Safety) Dipti Ranjan Patra said.

“Action is being taken over violations of the Motor Vehicles Act. Some of the seized vehicles did not have insurance or permits. Notices are being served to them,” Patra said.

Also Read: STA Clarifies Online-Offline Cab Rules, Begins Action Against Vehicles Linked To Violence At Master Canteen

He said permits of vehicles seized from the PMG area were also being examined for cancellation. Notices would be issued through police to concerned vehicle owners, including those arrested in connection with the protest.

The concerned persons have been directed to submit their responses by August 24 and August 26, failing which their permits could be cancelled, Patra said.

Police said 113 people were arrested and produced in court, while another 60 were released on good-behaviour notices. A total of 354 vehicles were also seized in connection with the incident.