In a disturbing incident at the Swargate bus station in Pune, a heated dispute over passenger fare between a rickshaw driver and a driver of a private passenger transport escalated into a violent assault. The rickshaw driver allegedly attacked the private transport driver with a lathabuki (a traditional Indian weapon resembling a club) and inflicted a bite on his ear, resulting in the earlobe being broken. The incident occurred on Thursday, around 1 o’clock in the morning, near the rickshaw stand on Satara Road.
The victim, identified as Santosh Chavan, a 41-year-old resident of Alibag in Raigad, promptly reported the incident to the Swargate police station. A case has been registered against the rickshaw driver, and the investigation is currently underway to apprehend the perpetrator who fled the scene. Assistant Police Inspector Karka is leading the investigation.
According to the police, Santosh Chavan works as a driver in the private vehicle sector. On that fateful day, he had visited the Swargate Bus Stand area to travel to Mulgao Alibaug. However, an argument broke out between Chavan and a rickshaw driver over the fare. The altercation soon turned violent, as other rickshaw drivers joined in and mercilessly beat Chavan with lathabukis. In a shocking turn of events, the rickshaw driver involved in the argument bit Chavan’s ear, causing the upper part to tear and break.
Following the assault, Chavan sought medical treatment at a nearby hospital before promptly filing a complaint with the Swargate police station. The police have taken cognizance of the incident and registered a case against the absconding rickshaw driver. Their search efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend the accused.
This incident sheds light on the plight faced by rickshaw drivers, who often encounter hostility and harassment, especially when new drivers enter areas dominated by established rickshaw pullers. Such conflicts not only disrupt the daily lives of drivers but also create inconvenience and hardships for commuters. The incident at Swargate bus station in Pune serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by rickshaw drivers and the need for better mechanisms to address their grievances and ensure passenger safety.
