Auto drivers protest against contractors

LUCKNOW: Members of the Lucknow Auto rickshaw Three Wheeler association (LARTS) staged protest against contractors of ‘illegal’ parking lots across the state capital on Saturday. Members of the union gathered at Awadh roundabout and raised slogans against the contractors.

The protest reportedly started after two auto drivers were thrashed by goons allegedly on the directions of a parking contractor. “The drivers were attacked when they refused to give money to the illegal parking contractor,” said Pankaj Dixit, chairman of LARTS .

The members complained to Manaknagar police about the incident. “The police didn’t pay heed to our complaint and failed to take swift action after which we decided to stage a protest against the illegal contractors,” he added.

LARTS members have alleged that some contractors have wrongfully occupied parking lots and demand money from auto drivers. “These contractors sought licence for four-wheeler parking, yet they take money from drivers of three-wheelers,” explained Pankaj.

Taking cognizance of the protest, additional city magistrate Anand Singh and inspectors from local police station met the protesters and assured them of action against the contractors.

The protestors also met senior administrative and police officials and informed them about their demands.

The protest was called off after the administration’s assurance. However, the auto drivers have warned of holding a bigger protest if their demands are not considered.

In a similar incident of violence with auto drivers, an FIR was registered against a contractor earlier this week at Manaknagar police station. The incident is still under investigation.