Bike Taxi drivers stage protest against government in Bengaluru.
Credit: DH Photo/SK Dinesh
Bengaluru: The Bengaluru police foiled a silent protest by 40 to 50 bike taxi riders at Freedom Park on Sunday morning, denying them permission to demonstrate.
The riders had gathered to demand government support for their livelihood, now at risk following a statewide ban.
The ban on app-based bike taxi services was enforced on June 16 after the Karnataka High Court declined to stay an earlier order. The court mandated suspension of services until the state government frames regulations under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
A Kottappa, a 50-year-old rider, said, "Children's school fees, home rent, and I have undergone surgery — it is very difficult to survive without this job. I urge the government to legalise our operations."
The police cited lack of permission, advising riders to follow high court orders or await a new policy.
Bihar native Vivek Kumar, 40, spoke of the toll the ban has taken on him: "It has been 15 days, and I have to vacate my room. Bengaluru is expensive, and I have EMIs and a family to feed. We were not even allowed to enter Freedom Park."