Mumbai Auto Driver Slaps Teen Over Fare Dispute, RTO Seizes Rickshaw
Mumbai Auto Driver Slaps Teen Over Fare Dispute, RTO Seizes Rickshaw
Viral video sparks outrage; authorities consider revoking license under Motor Vehicles Act
A shocking video of an autorickshaw driver repeatedly slapping a teenage passenger near Andheri railway station has sparked public outrage and swift action from transport authorities. The Andheri Regional Transport Office (RTO) seized the rickshaw and issued a notice to the driver, asking him to explain why his license and permit should not be revoked.
The video, widely circulated on social media, shows the boy being forced out of the rickshaw and struck multiple times as bystanders look on. Under the Motor Vehicles Act, authorities are empowered to suspend or cancel a driver’s license in cases of passenger harassment, assault, or unsafe conduct.
An RTO officer confirmed to a news agency: “We have asked him to explain why his driving license should not be revoked and his permit suspended for assaulting a passenger. This is a serious case of misconduct and violence.”
The DN Nagar police traced the driver and summoned him for questioning. However, officials clarified that no formal complaint has yet been lodged by the victim or his family.
During interrogation, the driver admitted to hitting the boy but claimed the dispute began over an unpaid fare. He alleged that the passenger, who had travelled from Santacruz to Andheri, owed him ₹140, refused to pay, was intoxicated, and abused him. The viral video also suggests that other passengers were present inside the rickshaw, raising suspicion that the vehicle was illegally ferrying multiple passengers.
Authorities are now examining both the assault and the possibility of permit violations. If proven guilty, the driver risks losing both his license and his livelihood.
