Last year, MNS thugs brutally beat up cabbies for just being from North India. Now, human rights body wants state to compensate their loss, at least monetarily. But cabbies say...

A year on, Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) has shown mercy to Mumbai's cabbies, who were at the receiving end of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena's (MNS) anti-North Indian tirade last October.

In an order passed on September 19, MSHRC has directed the state to compensate all those who fell prey to the violence.

But Mumbai's cabbies do not seem too pleased as images of an angry mob ransacking their vehicles and shoving them around in the midst of a crowded market continue to haunt them.

"What do we do with money? It can't protect us. We may be compensated for the monetary losses, but who will protect us in the future," asked Ashok Shukla (28), who was one of the victims of the mayhem.

Cash Not Enough: Ashok Shukla, who was one of the cabbies who bore the brunt of the MNS workers' anger last year, is still worried about his safety.

Alleged MNS workers had damaged the windshield of Shukla's taxi in Worli last October.

Monetary compensation to the tune of Rs 8 lakh is in store for owners of 60 taxies, 37 auto-rickshaws, 91 public buses, 13 other vehicles and seven other properties.

Branded 'outsiders' many cabbies say they have been scarred for life. It's not the money that they want, but say justice will be done only if the "goondas" are taken to task.

Outsider treatment

"I have been born and brought up in the city, then why are we treated like outsiders? I want the court to take necessary action against all the perpetrators of the violence," said Ram Milan Nirmal (60), a Mumbai Central-based taxi driver.

Moreover, they are miffed that the state has to pay for damages caused by the MNS.

"Like the Shiv Sena had to pay for the damages caused to the public for their acts of violence in July 2004, it's only fair that the MNS pays for the losses caused its workers," said Farukh Ghosi, president, Samajwadi Yuvjan Sabha, Mumbai Pradesh, youth wing of the Samajwadi Party, who was the first to file a complaint with the MSHRC on October 31, 2008.



The Other Side

MNS spokesperson Nitin Sardesai, said, "I'm not aware of any such recommendation made by the human rights commission. So, I will not be able to comment on the issue."

Recommendations

The MSHRC chaired by Justice Kshitij Vyas has recommended to the state government to provide appropriate amounts in accordance with state policy to eligible victims, who suffered damages or loss to their properties, by short listing their names, claim etc. as early as possible, but not later than December 30, 2009.

Fighter: Farukh Ghosi filed a complaint with the MSHRC last year. Read More Read Next Story Single screens Wanted again› Trending Stories Latest Photos Latest Videos Latest Web Stories ADVERTISEMENT Mid-Day Fast ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT