MNS takes it out on auto drivers

The Sion Police said the 12 people they arrested are MNS members. “We have booked them under various sections of the Indian Penal Code for rioting,” said Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Rajnish Seth. The police have also booked them for voluntarily causing hurt,unlawful assembly and criminal intimidation. The accused will be presented in court on Thursday,said an officer.

“Today,we are not even stepping out of our areas fearing attacks by MNS volunteers. They threatened us in the morning and also beat up a few drivers,” said Javed Attara,an auto driver from Bandra.

Atul Sarpotdar,MNS secretary,said the party’s aim was to instruct the drivers to ply in a fair manner and the party does not encourage violence. “But at times they just don’t listen. They are very arrogant,so in some cases there might have been a bit of violence,” he said.

On Tuesday,the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority said although it will maintain the basic autorickshaw fare at Rs 11,the subsequent fare for every kilometre will be hiked by 50 paise effective October 10. The authority also raised the basic fare for autorickshaws in Thane,Mira Road and Bhayander by Re 1 and sanctioned a 50 paise hike for every subsequent kilometre as the autos in these areas run on petrol.

Sharad Rao of the Mumbai Autorickshawmen’s Union,which has a list of demands including a fare hike,said the 50-paise hike is welcome,but miniscule. He said the union will start an indefinite protest on November 9 if the demands are not met.

However,Transport Secretary S K Sharma said only reasonable demands will be discussed and as of now,no further fare hikes are under consideration. “In fact,we are having discussions with the labour department for a social welfare fund for the auto drivers as the demand seems fair. But no further fare increases are being considered and if drivers strike again,we will look at legal options against them,” he added.