Driver assaulted, app cab fracas at airport

KOLKATA: Passengers stepping out of the airport on Saturday evening to catch an app cab home had to face several anxious moments after a fracas, in which an app-cab driver was allegedly assaulted by a fatherson duo, prompted several others to cancel their scheduled rides. Police arrested the father and son and another app-cab driver who was vociferously instigating other drivers to cancel their rides to protest against the assault.

The incident, police sources said, took place on Saturday evening when Rakesh, in his late 40s, and son Kaushik Modi, in his early 20s, along with their family members booked an app cab for their Tollygunge home. The family was

returning from New Delhi. According to the complaint filed by app cab driver Mandip Singh, the family insisted that five passengers be allowed. Singh claims he even showed them the rules, which allows him to carry a maximum of four passengers. Police said the FIR claims that the father and son then assaulted him severely.

Singh, police said, had to be treated for his injuries. He later filed a formal complaint at the airport police station.

Amid this fracas, police sources said, another app cab driver, Tarak Das, was instigating other drivers to cancel their rides to protest against the assault. The passengers who had already received a confirmation for their app cabs were taken aback by the sudden spate of cancellations. This led to several anxious moments, as the passengers who were kept waiting began to increase. Police said the place was soon teeming with passengers waiting in the app cab pickup zone. “Das kept instigating other drivers to such an extent that this commotion lasted for nearly an hour-anda-half,” said a senior cop. “This is a very long time for passengers to wait. This is harassment. Hence, a separate case was registered and Das was also picked up.” The airport police then arrested Rakesh and Kaushik.