Drunk Auto Driver's Harassment Leads to Crash, Public Outrage in Chennai

Drunk Auto Driver's Harassment Leads to Crash, Public Outrage in Chennai

In a shocking incident late Wednesday night, three women in Chennai faced a harrowing ordeal when a drunk autorickshaw driver and his associate misbehaved with them, leading to a crash that left the women injured. The event has sparked widespread concern over safety in share autos, especially during late hours.

Details of the Incident

Around 9:30 PM on Wednesday, the three women boarded a share autorickshaw at the Kundrathur bus stand, intending to travel to Nandambakkam. However, the journey took a terrifying turn when the driver, Karthikeyan, and his associate, Suman, both from Kundrathur, who were under the influence of alcohol, began to inappropriately touch the women. As the driver sped past their intended destination, the women panicked and attempted to jump out of the moving vehicle. In the ensuing melee, the autorickshaw overturned near Nandambakkam, causing injuries to the women.

Public Intervention and Police Action

Onlookers quickly rushed to the scene, pulling the drunk men out of the overturned vehicle and beating them up before the police could arrive. The Thirumudivakkam police were called to the scene and promptly arrested both Karthikeyan and Suman. A bus approaching from behind managed to stop just in time, narrowly avoiding a more severe accident that could have resulted in further injuries or fatalities.

Underlying Issues with Public Transport

Locals informed the police that residents of areas like Nandambakkam, Somangalam, and Periyar Nagar frequently rely on share autorickshaws late at night due to the lack of regular government bus services. This incident highlights the urgent need for improved public transport safety measures in Chennai, particularly for women traveling during off-peak hours.

• The incident occurred late Wednesday night in Chennai, involving three women harassed by a drunk auto driver.
• The women attempted to escape by jumping from the moving auto, leading to a crash and injuries.
• Public intervention resulted in the assailants being beaten before police arrested them.
• Locals cite inadequate bus services as a reason for reliance on share autos, raising safety concerns.

This case underscores the critical importance of ensuring safe transportation options for all citizens, especially in urban areas where late-night travel is common. Authorities are urged to take immediate steps to enhance security and prevent such incidents in the future.