Mumbai, August 25: Protests against the Maharashtra government’s decision to mandate knowledge of the Marathi language for taxi and auto rickshaw drivers have intensified. In the Kandivali West area of Mumbai, rickshaw drivers staged a strike, leading to incidents of violence. Police have arrested four individuals in connection with the unrest.
According to police, the transport commissioner, under directives from the Maharashtra government, decided that knowledge of Marathi would be mandatory for issuing badges to taxi and rickshaw drivers. This decision sparked an abrupt strike along Link Road in Kandivali West.
During the strike, some rickshaw drivers on MG Road allegedly attempted to prevent others from operating their vehicles illegally. This led to an altercation involving rickshaw driver Prakash Bandu Shenwal, aged 52.
Following a complaint, Kandivali police acted swiftly, filing a case against four suspects. The arrested individuals have been identified as Suresh Ramjanam Yadav, Mahendra Dayaram Yadav, Anilkumar Sampat Yadav, and Noorul Islam Dawoodali Ansari. They face charges under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code at the Kandivali police station.
The police have apprehended all four suspects and are continuing their investigation. They emphasized that maintaining law and order during the strike is a top priority and that no one will be permitted to forcibly disrupt others’ work.
In light of these events, Kandivali police have urged citizens to allow taxi and rickshaw services to operate smoothly in accordance with government regulations. They advised the public not to believe in any rumors and to cooperate with law enforcement in maintaining order.
Leave a Comment