Hundreds of auto rickshaw drivers staged a protest in Bhiwandi on Tuesday against what they described as exorbitant fines imposed by the police over the past few days. The protest, organized under the banner of the Rickshaw Chalak Malak Maha Sangh, saw participation from both drivers and owners.
The demonstrators gathered at the Sub-Divisional Office, demanding an immediate halt to what they termed “unfair” penalties. Protesters alleged that fines were being issued despite drivers possessing valid documents such as licenses and badges.
A delegation led by union representative Vijay Kamble submitted a memorandum to the Sub-Divisional Officer. Kamble claimed that traffic police were targeting rickshaw drivers indiscriminately, issuing fines of up to ₹11,000 without verifying documents.
“At least five to seven drivers are being slapped with fines of ₹11,000 or more on a daily basis despite having valid permits. This has triggered widespread resentment among the rickshaw community,” said Kamble.
The delegation also called for action against private and government-run buses allegedly ferrying passengers beyond capacity, claiming that enforcement on them remains lax.
Member of Parliament Suresh Mhatre, popularly known as Balya Mama, joined the protest and assured drivers that he would take up the matter with the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) and later escalate it to the state transport minister.
