MNS workers attack auto drivers,12 held

The Sion Police,which arrested 12 people,said they are all MNS members.

A day after autorickshaw drivers got a 50 paise/km fare hike,they were targeted by alleged Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) activists,who damaged two autos at Sion,beat up drivers and forced them to ply by the meter and not refuse passengers in various parts of the suburbs.

The Sion Police,which arrested 12 people,said they are all MNS members. We have booked them under various sections of the IPC for rioting, said Joint Commissioner of Police Rajnish Seth. The police have also booked them for voluntarily causing hurt,unlawful assembly and criminal intimidation.

Today,we are not even stepping out of our areas fearing attacks by MNS volunteers. They threatened us in the morning and also beat a few drivers, Javed Attara,an autorickshaw driver from Bandra,said.

Story continues below this ad

Atul Sarpotdar,MNS secretary,said the partys aim was to instruct the drivers to ply in a fair manner and the party does not encourage violence. But at times they just dont listen. They are very arrogant,so in some cases there might have been a bit of violence, he said.

On Tuesday,the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority said although it will maintain the basic autorickshaw fare at Rs 11,the subsequent fare for every kilometre will be hiked by 50 paise effective October 10.

Sharad Rao of the Mumbai Autorickshawmens Union said the 50-paise hike is welcome,but miniscule.