Auto-rickshaw driver 'manhandles' traffic inspector, arrested

An auto-rickshaw driver was arrested late on Sunday night after he allegedly manhandled a traffic inspector on duty for seizing auto-rickshaws that illegally entered Brigade Road.

Mehboob Pasha, 30, was arrested and sent to jail on the charge of manhandling the Ashok Nagar traffic inspector, Anthony John. Police said they had received complaints about auto-rickshaws illegally entering Brigade Road. Accordingly, John launched a special drive and seized 16 auto-rickshaws for violating the norms.

Pasha objected to the police seizing the auto-rickshaws and wanted them to just impose a fine of Rs 100 as per the Indian Motor Vehicles Act and let go of the three-wheelers. When the inspector warned him against obstructing a public servant on duty, Pasha allegedly attacked him in front of other policemen. But he was quickly overpowered. Later, the police booked him for attacking a public servant on duty.

Pasha, who claims to be the head of an auto-rickshaw drivers’ association, is reportedly involved in similar cases, police said. He had lodged a “false” complaint accusing the Cubbon Park police of attacking him on April 25, 2014. He had also staged a protest along with other drivers, the police added.