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Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 3 (IANS) Taking swift action following a viral video of local taxi drivers harassing a female tourist in Munnar, the Kerala Police on Monday suspended two officers and detained two taxi drivers – Vinayakan and Vijayakumar.
The matter has sparked widespread outrage on social media, prompting the state government to promise corrective measures to ensure the safety of tourists in the hill station.
The video, originally posted by Mumbai-based assistant professor Janvi, showed a group of taxi drivers confronting and threatening her and her friends for booking a cab online instead of a local taxi near the KSRTC bus stand in Munnar on October 30.
Drivers protesting against app-based taxi services reportedly warned tourists that they would not be allowed to travel unless they hired local taxis.
Janvi alleged that when she approached the police for help, officials failed to act, in line with the taxi union’s stance.
“We were forced to take another vehicle and ultimately cut our journey short due to fear,” she said in the video. The video has been removed but has already gone viral.
Following a public outcry, the Munnar police registered a suo motu case under sections 126(2), 351(2), and 3(5) of the Indian Justice Code relating to wrongful restraint and criminal intimidation.
The FIR did not initially name any accused, but police have identified three taxi drivers, two of whom are in custody, with the third expected to be detained soon.
State Tourism Minister PA Mohammed Riyas described the incident as “unfortunate” and said “this should never have happened,” adding that steps would be taken in the future to strengthen police vigilance and prevent harassment of tourists.
The incident has reignited the debate over the monopoly of local taxi unions at tourist destinations and the challenges faced by app-based cab services in Kerala.
–IANS
SG/KHz