Pune Auto Driver Flees After Assaulting Passenger and Father Over Fare Dispute
In a shocking incident in Pune, the Sant Tukaramnagar police have launched a manhunt for an autorickshaw driver who is currently on the run after allegedly assaulting a passenger and the passenger's father. The violent altercation stemmed from a heated argument over the fare, escalating into a physical confrontation that left both victims injured.
Incident Details and Police Complaint
The incident occurred on March 15 in the Vallabhnagar area of Pimpri. According to police reports, a 69-year-old victim, along with his son and daughter-in-law, had booked the autorickshaw through a cab aggregator service to travel home. Upon reaching their destination in Vallabhnagar, the driver demanded additional fare beyond the agreed amount, sparking a dispute.
Sub-inspector Rishikesh Kamble of the Sant Tukaramnagar police provided a detailed account of the events. "The complainant and his son engaged in heated arguments with the auto driver over the fare. Suddenly, the driver retrieved a wooden plank and began thrashing the complainant's son," Kamble stated. When the elderly father attempted to intervene and protect his son, the driver turned his aggression towards him, punching the complainant and pushing his daughter-in-law aside before hastily fleeing the scene in his vehicle.
Police Investigation and Search Efforts
The victim approached the Sant Tukaramnagar police station on March 16, the day after the assault, to lodge a formal complaint against the autorickshaw driver. In his complaint, he provided crucial details, including the registration number of the autorickshaw, which is now aiding police in their investigation.
"We are actively searching for the autorickshaw driver based on the information provided in the complaint. The registration number has been noted, and efforts are underway to locate and apprehend the accused," Officer Kamble emphasized. The police are treating this as a serious case of assault and are pursuing all leads to bring the perpetrator to justice.
This incident highlights growing concerns over passenger safety and fare disputes in urban transport services. Authorities urge the public to report such incidents promptly and cooperate with investigations to ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences.
