In a decisive move to protect travelers, the airport police at Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (NSCBI) arrested four individuals accused of being taxi touts on Tuesday. The action forms a crucial part of a year-end drive to curb the harassment of passengers, especially during the peak winter festive season when tourist inflow surges.
Sustained Drive Against Unauthorised Solicitation
Officers from the NSCBI Airport Police Station confirmed that the arrests are a continuation of a sustained enforcement campaign. This initiative specifically targets unauthorised solicitation and intimidation of flyers in the arrivals area, where passenger traffic sees a significant spike in late December. The police are determined to ensure a safe and hassle-free experience for all visitors arriving in the City of Joy.
How the Incident Unfolded
The latest case was triggered by a formal complaint lodged by an on-duty officer, Sub-Inspector Manta Dhar. The complaint stated that around 1:25 PM on Tuesday, a passenger reported being approached by cab drivers. These individuals first inquired about the destination and then offered a ride at a rate substantially higher than the official pre-paid taxi service. When the passenger protested against the exorbitant fare, the men resorted to threats.
Acting swiftly on the complaint, the investigating officer moved to the spot near gate 3A/B of the New Terminal Building's arrivals zone. There, he observed several drivers allegedly demanding 'a huge amount of money' above the normal fares from disembarking passengers. The complaint further alleged that when passengers refused, the touts intimidated them by falsely claiming to be the only transport option available from the airport.
The Chase and Arrests
Following these observations, a police team immediately moved in. The suspects attempted to flee upon seeing the officers. In the ensuing chase, the police managed to apprehend four of them, while three others escaped. The four arrested men have been identified as Samsuddin Molla, Md A Yunus, Sekh Fikir Ali, and Akash Gupta.
The NSCBI police have affirmed that their enforcement actions will persist throughout the holiday period, sending a clear message against such predatory practices. This crackdown aims to safeguard the city's reputation and ensure that passengers are not exploited during their visit.
