Drive against vandalism, refusal by taxi drivers to continue

The West Bengal Government today said it would continue the drive against vandalism, refusal and harassment of passengers by taxi drivers as per the law and that in no way indiscipline would be allowed to take place.
"Vandalism, refusal by taxis and harassment to passengers will not be allowed in any way. Stern measures will continue against all these nuisance according to the provisions of the West Bengal Motor Vehicles Act-1988 and West Bengal Motor Vehicles Rules-1989," Transport Secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay said here today.
On alleged police harassment and penalty of Rs 3,000 imposed on taxi drivers for refusing passengers, Bandyopadhyay said that "the administration is committed to obey the laws and this message had been communicated to the taxi owners during a meeting yesterday."

"A penalty of Rs 3,000 is not charged by the police... Such a penalty is imposed on the directive of the court," city Police Commissioner Surojit Kar Purokayastha said.
However, in case of traffic rule violation or any such offence, the police would have to act to maintain law and order, Purokayastha said.
The cabbies went on a day's strike demanding a halt on alleged police harassment and withdrawal of the penalty of Rs 3,000 for refusal.
Twenty-two drivers were arrested for vandalism during a protest on August 7 and taxis went off the road since Monday with the cabbies demanding their unconditional release. The arrested were later released on bail.

Bandyopadhyay said the department had cancelled licenses of 28 drivers and "if the situation demands we will cancel permits in such cases.