Kolkata: Four passengers injured as auto keels over on Aurobindo Setu

KOLKATA: An auto speeding on the Aurobindo Setu slope in north Kolkata keeled over on Monday morning, injuring at least five persons. Four of those injured — all women — were passengers in the vehicle. All the victims have been admitted at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Mampi Chatterjee, 27, was seated beside the driver and is stated to be in a serious condition.
According to witnesses, the accident took place around 9am. The three-wheeler skidded and keeled over on the western slope while trying to overtake another vehicle. “It was raining and it seems that the driver lost control on the vehicle,” said an investigating officer. A case has been registered at the Maniktala police station.
Police sources said that the auto on the Ultadanga-Ahiritola route essentially plies one of the most populated zones of the city. “There is little scope for this auto to be speeding in the rain. We are ascertaining if a mechanical test of the vehicle will be necessary. The auto has been seized,” said an officer.
Carrying extra passengers, jumping traffic signals, driving through “no entry”, misbehaving with passengers and plying on illegal routes — auto drivers in Kolkata are accused of every possible violation of traffic rules. Their lawlessness in the city, which is dependent on the three-wheelers in the absence of any other reliable last-mile link, makes news only when a crime or accident is committed. But most passengers insist they are now used to their “tantrums” with cops rarely pulling them up.