Bengaluru: In a major crackdown on autorickshaw drivers accused of harassing passengers, the Bengaluru Traffic Police have registered nearly 2,988 cases in the last three months against drivers for overcharging commuters and refusing rides to requested destinations.
The action comes amid rising complaints from passengers across the city regarding auto drivers demanding excess fares, especially during evening hours, and refusing to operate on meter charges. Authorities said special enforcement drives were launched after commuters repeatedly flagged incidents of drivers charging "one-and-half" fares much before the legally permitted night hours.
According to police data, a total of 1,354 cases were registered against auto drivers for demanding excess fares, while another 1,634 cases were booked against drivers for refusing passengers and declining to travel to designated destinations.
Traffic police officials said many complaints came from passengers alleging that some auto drivers target people unfamiliar with the local language, particularly visitors and migrants from other states. In several cases, commuters complained that drivers either refused service outright or demanded double the regular fare.
Under existing transport rules, auto drivers are permitted to charge one-and-half times the meter fare only after 10 pm. However, police observed that several drivers had started demanding the higher fare from as early as 8 pm, triggering widespread public anger.
Officials said enforcement teams have intensified checks across busy commercial areas, railway stations, bus stands and tech corridors where complaints are more frequent. Drivers found violating rules are being penalised under relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act.
Passengers have welcomed the police action and demanded stricter monitoring of autorickshaw operations in the city. A commuter named Ramu expressed frustration over the behaviour of some drivers and said such practices were causing inconvenience to ordinary people on a daily basis.
At the same time, several honest auto drivers have also supported the crackdown. Auto driver Satish said, "Passengers are our livelihood. We should not demand double fares or trouble commuters. Because of a few irresponsible drivers, the entire auto community is getting a bad name."
Police officials stated that prompt action is being taken based on public complaints and warned that the special drive against errant auto drivers will continue in the coming weeks. Authorities have also urged commuters to report violations immediately so strict action can be initiated against offenders.