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Journalism of Courage
An auto-rickshaw driver in Mumbai was recently nabbed for exploiting tourists by tampering with the meter. After the incident ignited backlash on social media, Mumbai Police, on Wednesday, released a video guide to help commuters identify the manipulation of auto-rickshaw meters.
The video guide shows a police officer demonstrating the blinking point, a key indicator of a tampered meter. The cop explains that if the blinking light remains visible or continues to blink after the button—located on the handle—is turned off, it clearly signifies that the meter has been tampered with.
“Wondering how your auto-rickshaw bill is travelling faster than light? No rocket science – here’s a simple guide to help you identify whether the Auto Rickshaw meter is faulty or not. Stay aware, identify, and complain about the faulty meters,” the official handle of Mumbai traffic police wrote on X.
Watch here:
In another post, Mumbai traffic police informed that legal action has been initiated against the auto-rickshaw driver for tampering with the meter. The legal action includes an FIR, cancellation of the permit, and vehicle seizing.
See here:
https://x.com/MTPHereToHelp/status/1849083469827101156
The video guide immediately gained traction, amassing over 2,75,000 views. Several social media users demanded a mobile application concept to curb the meter fraud in Mumbai. “Remove the meter concept and get the mobile app. Let drivers click Ok for the journey to start. Stop for closing the journey. Majority of them use mobiles for either ola or Uber. No manipulations anymore,” a user wrote.
“There is gross negligence of DCP Traffic to look into various grievances related to Auto’s and traffic all over,” another user commented. “They kept saying electronic meters can’t be tampered. I always called them out. Been happening since 5+ yrs,” a third user reacted.
