Kolkata App-Cab Driver Arrested for Alleged Misconduct with Female Passengers
In a disturbing incident in Kolkata, an app-cab driver has been taken into custody by police for allegedly misbehaving with two female passengers. The arrest followed a tense confrontation that unfolded on Tuesday evening near the Diamond Harbour Traffic Guard at Behala Chowrasta crossing.
Incident Details and Police Intervention
According to police reports, the situation escalated when a 42-year-old woman raised an alarm after discovering that the driver was attempting to film her son's girlfriend without consent. This action drew a crowd to the scene, prompting law enforcement to step in to prevent any further escalation. Officers intervened after the driver allegedly tried to threaten the woman into silence, creating a volatile atmosphere.
Passenger Account and Alleged Misconduct
The complainant had booked the app cab from Deshapriya Park to Sarsuna Satellite Township in Behala, traveling with her son's girlfriend. During the journey, the driver reportedly engaged in inappropriate behavior, including repeatedly adjusting the rear-view mirror to stare at the younger woman in a manner deemed objectionable by the passengers. He also allegedly attempted to film her, adding to their distress.
When the vehicle reached James Long Sarani, the passengers objected to the driver's conduct. The matter intensified as the driver refused to take the suggested route via Raja Rammohan Roy Road through Karunamoyee Bridge-Siriti. Upon arriving at the Diamond Harbour Traffic Guard, the driver allegedly argued with the women, behaved rudely, and continued his misconduct.
Police Action and Investigation
Traffic Guard personnel detained the driver on the spot, citing the tense situation and the risk of an untoward incident if he was not taken into custody. Investigators examined witnesses at the scene and recorded their statements to gather evidence. The complainant was asked to submit a written complaint, leading to the registration of a case and the initiation of an investigation under the orders of the Thakurpukur Police Station Officer-in-Charge.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
The accused, identified as Sujay Kumar Manna (48), was formally arrested from Thakurpukur Police Station after legal formalities were completed. The grounds of arrest were communicated to him and his family as per procedure. On Wednesday, the vehicle was seized in the presence of witnesses and deposited in the police station malkhana for further examination.
Police confirmed that the accused underwent a medical examination, which found no injuries or complaints before he was placed in the lock-up. The case highlights ongoing concerns about passenger safety in app-based cab services and underscores the importance of swift police action in such incidents.
