Police act on auto drivers after injured cop denied ride to hospital in Kattappana

Kattappana: Police have initiated strict action against autorickshaw drivers who allegedly refused to take an injured police officer to the hospital after a bike accident on Puliyanmala Road on the night of the Assembly vote counting day.

The injured officer, Vinod Kumar from the Idukki police station, who was lying hurt on the roadside after the accident, informed his brother over phone. His brother then reached Kattappana Central Junction and tried to hire an autorickshaw to take him to the hospital, but the drivers present there reportedly refused to go. After repeated attempts and a long wait, another autorickshaw that arrived later finally took the injured officer to the hospital.

Following a complaint over the incident, police summoned all autorickshaw drivers operating night services and issued warning. Police also said they had received information that some drivers consume alcohol while on duty and warned of strict action. A meeting of night-time autorickshaw drivers was convened, but many reportedly did not attend.

Preference for parallel services

There are also widespread complaints that most autorickshaws parked near the Housing Board commercial complex opposite ICICI Bank in Kattappana are reluctant to accept regular passenger trips. Even for short-distance rides, passengers reportedly receive rude responses. Many drivers are said to prefer operating parallel services towards the Vallakkadavu side. Police are now planning inspections and further action in this regard.

Permit may be cancelled for refusing trips

Under the rules, taxi vehicles waiting for passengers must display a “For Hire” board, but this is often ignored. If an autorickshaw parked at a stand refuses a trip after being called, passengers can file a complaint along with the vehicle number. Complaints can be submitted to police through the POL app or to the Motor Vehicles Department via email.

Police officers of SI rank and above, as well as RTO officials, can take action under the Motor Vehicles Act. Penalties can range from fines to cancellation of permits.