Cab drivers allegedly beaten up in Pune for accepting rides
Members of unions were observed physically stopping drivers who were accepting reservations as the drivers of taxis and auto rickshaws, who are members of the Indian Gig Workers Front (IGF), as they went on strike on Tuesday. Additionally, videos purportedly showed union members beating up drivers and forcing them to uninstall the Ola and Uber apps.
Social media users shared a video purportedly showing union members intimidating drivers and forcing them to remove the ride apps. It is said that the video was shot outside the Pune train station. Members were seen brandishing rods and interrogating drivers for operating taxis in other city videos.
Uber denounced driver harassment in an official statement. According to Uber, they denounce the acts of violence and intimidation against drivers that have caused service interruptions in specific areas of Pune. If the proposed increase in taxi fares is carried out, it will result in a rider paying up to 60% more, rendering rides unaffordable for a significant portion of the population who rely on us for dependable transportation within their city. As it affects the number of rides overall, it will eventually hurt drivers’ livelihoods.
A spokesperson for a cab union denounced the videos and refuted claims that the drivers intimidating other drivers were its members. While few are observed resorting to violence to get drivers to stop providing their services, those who do so do not accept responsibility for their actions. They have requested that people follow the constitutional process and refrain from using violence. They will use nonviolent means to get people to boycott the unlawful businesses.
