Tanker driver threatens NRI for complaint on rash driving

An NRI, on a visit to Bangalore and Chennai, has not taken back happy memories after his trip concluded early this month.

He, in fact, paid the price for doing his duty as a citizen which has raised several questions about safety of those who complain on phone numbers publicised on vehicles against rash driving.

Recently when Sri (name changed) was driving from Chennai to Bangalore on Hosur Road, he saw a Hindustan Petroleum (HP) oil tanker, with registration KA-03-AB-8038, being driven rashly and overspeeding. The conscientious citizen dialled the complaint number painted on the tanker (94815 01154) and lodged his complaint, following which, he was threatened by several company officials next day.

“The day after I complained, on August 5, 2014, I got a call from a person, identifying himself as G Diwakar, an official from HP. After confirming I was the complainant, he sought details of the episode, and advised me to lodge a complaint with the police against the errant driver.

A while later, another caller, stating he was the tanker driver, abused and threatened me, since the company had suspended him.”Asked how the driver got the number, he replied the supervisor and another person, Sri said. Petrified, Sri questioned the safety measures which were in place to protect the identity of callers. Officials of HP in Bangalore and Mumbai, they claimed this was the first time such a matter had come to light.