In the wake of the passing away of former Goa MLA Lavoo Mamledar in Belagavi, after the attack by a driver, auto-rickshaw drivers have raised concerns over misleading reports falsely linking them to the crime.
Initial media reports suggested that the attacker was an auto-rickshaw driver. However, Mohammed Rafiq, Secretary of the Auto-Rickshaw Drivers and Owners Association, clarified that the accused is a cab driver operating a Bajaj Qute—a quadricycle classified under a separate commercial vehicle category in India.
“We are being wrongly blamed. The accused drives a cab, not an auto-rickshaw. His vehicle has ‘Auto’ written on it, but it has no connection to us,” Rafiq stated, urging the media to report the facts accurately.
Auto-rickshaw drivers fear that such misinformation could harm their reputation and livelihoods. The association has called for responsible reporting to ensure the public is not misled.
The fatal incident, which took place on Saturday afternoon, began as a minor dispute but escalated into violence, resulting in Mamledar’s tragic death. Police investigations are ongoing.
It’s regarding water supply which has gone bonkers, inspite of paying in advance you get dry taps atleast for 8-9 days in a month don’t know how much suffering is expected
Auto is seized from the accused by the police and placed before the Market PS in the premises.