Kerala to cancel licenses of taxi drivers who harassed tourist
What's the story
Kerala Transport Minister KB Ganesh Kumar has announced that the licenses of taxi drivers accused of harassing a tourist in Munnar will be canceled. The incident involved a Mumbai-based assistant professor, Janvi, who shared her experience on social media. She alleged that local taxi drivers threatened her Uber driver and prevented them from taking her.
Official response
'Uber drivers are workers just like taxi drivers'
Kumar condemned the incident as "goondaism" and said it has been a recurring issue. He directed the local Road Transport Officers to take immediate action. "It is illegal. It should not happen again," he said, adding that Uber drivers are workers just like taxi drivers and should not be harassed.
Legal proceedings
Case registered under BNS
After Janvi's video went viral, the police registered a case under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Three taxi drivers were arrested in connection with the incident and two police officers were suspended for their inaction. The tourist had alleged that when she sought help from the police, they sided with the taxi drivers.
Tourist's statement
Not safe to travel in Kerala, said Janvi
In her video, Janvi praised Kerala's beauty but expressed disappointment with the local taxi situation. She said she would not return to the state due to feeling unsafe. "I loved how beautiful it was... But I don't think that I'll be able to come back to a place where I'm not allowed to feel safe," she said.