Morung Express News
February 16
DIMAPUR: Traffic Police at Dimapur yesterday arrested 11 auto-rickshaw drivers for committing the felony of overloading passengers. An order earlier passed by the former Deputy Commissioner of the city had restricted drivers from carrying only four passengers at a time (five in the case of inclusion of a minor). After necessary procedures, the drivers were escorted to East Police Station, Dimapur to be later forwarded to court. Section 279 of the Indian Penal Code dubs the offense as an act of rash and negligent driving. In such a case, the IPC carries more weight than the Motor Vehicles Act.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Yanger Aier today said the arrests were made after surprise checks were carried out. Despite repeated warnings and cutting of challans against auto drivers, the offence was still being practiced. This prompted the arrests. “Carrying 6-7 passengers in an auto and then driving at a speed of 60-70 kilometres per hour endangers more lives,” Yanger said.
Other acts of negligence by drivers and two-wheeler riders were also reiterated. Talking on mobile phones while driving a vehicle was also termed as a high-risk factor which leads to accidents and traffic congestion. “If you are holding your mobile in one hand and if you have to change gears with the other, how will you turn the steering wheel?” the DSP advised reckless drivers. Simple safety precautions such as wearing seat belts and helmets can save many lives, he said.
The auto driver’s tale
With the rise in price of petrol becoming imminent, the person who drops you to your destination in his carriage for a fee is concerned about his earnings. “If we are told to carry only 4 passengers at a time, then there should be a hike in the rates. Arrey! We spend Rs 75 on oil for a single trip from Railway Gate to Chumukedima and back,” Rapfü, who earns his living by driving a cab, says. Another dressed in the prominent blue shirt says, “Hiring (an auto) is different. But people also forcefully enter the vehicles even after sitting capacity hits maximum in the case of line autos.” Yet another one says, “I have to pay my master Rs 200 every day. If I don’t earn enough, how will I make a living?”
The driver’s union interjects
Supporting the official directive, the Dimapur Auto Drivers’ Union (DADU) today said there would be no immediate hike in auto fares. “Only some unscrupulous drivers want to charge extra. As per the DC’s orders, prices have already been hiked,” Hoketo, General Secretary of the union says. “We will go to the DC’s office to request for the release of the eleven who were arrested.” The DADU has set up office branches in five areas of Dimapur. Roughly 5000 members have enlisted their names in the DADU register.
