Hundreds of Riders Submit Memorandum to DC, Allege Harassment by Auto Operators
Key Points:
- Rapido captains hold bike rally in Bokaro, march to DC office with demands
- Riders allege assault threats, key snatching and abuse by auto operators near station
- Memorandum copies sent to SP and station master seeking action against offenders
BOKARO – Hundreds of Rapido bike-taxi riders in Bokaro organised a rally on Tuesday, riding in formation to the district collectorate and submitting a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner demanding security at the railway station area and action against anti-social elements.
The Rapido captains operating in Bokaro district assembled and took out a bike rally before reaching the collectorate. In their memorandum, the riders stated that they were earning an honest livelihood through riding but were facing repeated harassment near Bokaro railway station and surrounding areas.
The riders alleged that certain auto drivers and persons associated with auto associations were preventing them from picking up passengers. On several occasions, they said, they had been subjected to rude and abusive behaviour.
The memorandum further cited incidents of riders having their bike keys snatched. In addition, cases of verbal abuse, physical assault and threats of damage to their vehicles had also been reported. “We want to work within the bounds of the law,” a rider was quoted as saying. “However, we are continuously harassed in the station area. The administration must ensure our safety and act against the guilty.”
The Rapido captains stated that these incidents were making them feel unsafe. Moreover, their freedom to work without fear was being adversely affected. They demanded that the administration strengthen security arrangements in the station area and ensure a harassment-free working environment.
The riders also sought legal action against those responsible for the incidents. Copies of the memorandum were submitted to the Superintendent of Police and the station master as well.
Rapido, which operates app-based bike-taxi services across several Jharkhand cities, has seen its riders face turf conflicts with traditional auto operators in multiple locations. The Bokaro riders said they were hopeful that the administration would take positive action, enabling them to continue their livelihood in a secure environment.
