Taxi drivers assaulted near Kempegowda International Airport; police fail to act

If police fails to act the association will issue a protest call to all the drivers to stop airport services said activist Tanveer Pasha

Bengaluru

In a shocking incident near the Kempegowda International Airport on Sunday night, two taxi drivers were allegedly assaulted by three local men allegedly under the influence of alcohol. Despite police presence at the scene shortly after the attack, no action was taken against the perpetrators, raising serious concerns about police inaction and local influence.

The incident occurred around 10 pm at Shettigere, when the taxi drivers had parked their vehicle by the roadside for a tea break. Without provocation, the three men launched an attack using iron rods, severely injuring the drivers and vandalising their taxi, including smashing its windows. The drivers identified as Janardhan and Basavaraju suffered head and neck injuries. 

Fellow drivers at the scene immediately alerted the police. However, when the Hoysala patrol unit arrived, the attackers were reportedly still present but were not detained. The police allegedly refrained from taking action as the attackers were identified as local residents with influence.

Following the attack, representatives of the taxi drivers headed by Tanveer Pasha visited the victims at the hospital around midnight and later approached the Chikkajala Police Station, demanding strict legal action against the culprits.

“We are demanding justice for our drivers. This kind of goondaism and rowdyism must stop. The attackers must be held accountable,” said Pasha, President of Ola and Uber Owners’ Association.  The incident has sparked outrage among the local taxi driver community, who are now calling for immediate police accountability and protection for drivers working in the airport vicinity. If police fails to act the association will issue a call to all the drivers to stop airport services.