Mumbai autorickshaw strike: Four held for assaulting auto driver in Kandivali

The police said that a group of drivers staged a strike and attempted to block traffic and prevent other drivers from operating their vehicles. Representational Pic/File

Kandivali Police in Mumbai detained four people for allegedly assaulting a 52-year-old autorickshaw driver during an unauthorised flash strike in parts of the city on Monday.

According to the police, the incident took place on MG Road amid a protest over the Maharashtra government's requirement for taxi and autorickshaw drivers to have a basic working knowledge of Marathi to hold badges and operate commercially.

The police said that a group of drivers staged a strike and attempted to block traffic and prevent other drivers from operating their vehicles.

During the protest, the group allegedly confronted the victim, identified as Prakash Bandu Shetvat, 52, after he refused to join the work stoppage.

The group allegedly stopped Shetvat and assaulted him.

Four taken into custody

The accused was identified as Nurul Islam Dautali Ansari. Following an investigation, police identified three other alleged accomplices - Suresh Ramjanam Yadav, Mahendra Dayaram Yadav and Anilkumar Sampat Yadav.

All four were taken into police custody.

A case has been registered at Kandivali Police Station under Sections 115(2), 126(2), 324(2), 352 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, an official said.

Police appeal for calm

Police said normal transport services continue to operate under government regulations.

Further investigation and legal proceedings in the case were underway.