Auto Rickshaw — Overcharging, abusive behaviour

Address:

Ernakulam, Kerala

It is not in just the outer areas of the cities that autorikshaw drivers act arrogant and ply without meters running. In the very heart of the city, in Kadavanthra, Vyttila areas also the arrogance rules. Yesterday I took an auto from Elamkulam to Vyttila junction ( which I do on a daily basis and pay Rs.20/-) but yesterday's autorikshaw driver was one of the headstrong kinds. He demanded Rs.30/-. I told him I pay Rs.20/- every day and refused to pay more. He raised his voice and asked me where I was working as if i was at his mercy and was obliged to give him all my details. I asked him to mind his business, put my foot down and refused to pay extra. He started giving me back the Rs.20/- that I had given him by which time other auto rikshaw drivers from the neighbouring auto stand came and on hearing the conversation between us took him away. The most annoying fact is that when I noted down his number, with all audacity he tells me, 'call the police, I am leaving only after you call them'. This is an insult to the men in Khakhi as these auto drivers think they will not harm them in any way.