Bhubaneswar: Odisha government Thursday warned of strict action against auto-rickshaw drivers allegedly involved in violence during a protest by app-based drivers of Ola, Uber and Rapido in Bhubaneswar, including cancellation of driving licences and recovery of losses caused by the unrest.
Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra said the government would not spare those found responsible for attacking people or damaging government property during Wednesday’s disturbance in the Master Canteen area.
The minister described the alleged attacks on innocent people and damage to government vehicles as inhuman and said drivers involved in violence or vandalism would face action.
Apart from licence cancellation, the government plans to recover the losses caused during the incident from those responsible, Mahapatra said.
He also indicated that an illegal auto stand allegedly linked to the drivers involved in the violence could be demolished as part of the government’s action.
Protecting the public was the government’s responsibility, and warned that such incidents would not be tolerated, Mahapatra added.
Meanwhile, authorities cleared an auto-rickshaw parking area near Master Canteen Square in Bhubaneswar by bringing down a stand run by an auto drivers’ association.
