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Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 5 (IANS) Giving a strong message against lawlessness in the tourism sector, the Kerala government has taken strict action against three taxi drivers in Munnar who allegedly harassed a female tourist from Mumbai for using an online cab service.
Transport Minister KB Ganesh Kumar had termed the incident as a blot on Kerala’s image as a safe travel destination and had directed immediate cancellation of the licenses of the three drivers arrested in the case, which was done on Wednesday.
The three accused drivers – P. Vijayakumar (40), K. Vinayakan, and A. Anish Kumar (40) was arrested on charges of wrongful restraint and criminal intimidation, but was later released on station bail.
His driving license has been suspended for six months.
“The licenses of the drivers involved will be canceled without any delay. This kind of hooliganism cannot be tolerated in a progressive state like Kerala,” the minister said on Tuesday.
He stressed that the government supports law-abiding drivers, including those working on online platforms, but will take strict action against bullying and illegal trade union practices.
The victim, Jhanvi, an assistant professor from Mumbai, had shared a viral video describing how she and her friends were threatened by a group of local taxi drivers during a trip to Munnar in the last week of October.
The group was traveling in Kochi and Alappuzha using an online taxi when they were stopped by local unionized drivers, who claimed that online cabs were not allowed in the hill station.
After his post the state government responded quickly. Tourism Minister PA Mohammed Riyas intervened, leading to the suspension of two police officers – grade sub-inspector George Kurien and assistant sub-inspector Saju Paulose – for failing to assist tourists and allegedly favoring local drivers.
Over the years, Kerala has earned a reputation for strong trade union dominance, often causing fear among business owners and the public.
Both ministers warned that the government “will not allow such anarchy to damage Kerala’s image as a safe and welcoming tourist destination.”
–IANS
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