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Kerala Taxi Driver Crackdown: Licenses Cancelled After Tourist Harassment

The Kerala government has taken strong action against three taxi drivers who harassed a female tourist from Mumbai. Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar ordered immediate cancellation of their licenses following the incident in Munnar. Two police officers were also suspended for allegedly siding with the drivers instead of helping the victim. The government emphasized that such lawlessness won't be tolerated in Kerala's tourism sector.

Key Points: Kerala Cancels Taxi Licenses After Munnar Tourist Harassment

  • Three taxi drivers arrested for harassing Mumbai tourist using online cab service
  • Two police officers suspended for allegedly supporting local drivers
  • Victim Janhvi shared viral video detailing threats and intimidation
  • Transport Minister warns against damaging Kerala's tourism reputation
2 min read

Licenses of 3 Kerala taxi drivers who harassed female tourist to be cancelled

Kerala government cancels licenses of 3 taxi drivers who harassed Mumbai tourist in Munnar. Two police officers suspended for failing to assist the victim.

"Such hooliganism cannot be tolerated in a progressive state like Kerala - Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar"

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 4

The Kerala government has launched stern action after three taxi drivers in Munnar allegedly harassed a woman tourist from Mumbai for using an online cab service.

Following widespread public outrage and a viral social media post by the victim, Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar on Tuesday ordered the immediate cancellation of the licenses of the three drivers arrested in the case.

"The licenses of the drivers involved will be cancelled without delay. Such hooliganism cannot be tolerated in a progressive state like Kerala," the Minister said.

He added that the government stands with law-abiding workers, including those driving online cabs, but will act firmly against anyone engaging in intimidation or unlawful practices.

"Uber is not banned in Kerala or anywhere in India. The issue in Munnar was not about livelihood, it was about lawlessness," he remarked.

The victim, identified as Janhvi, an assistant professor from Mumbai, shared a video on social media detailing how she and her friends were threatened by a group of local taxi drivers while visiting Munnar in the last week of October.

The group, which had travelled through Kochi and Alappuzha using an online taxi, was stopped by unionised local drivers claiming that online cabs were not permitted in Munnar.

When Janhvi sought help from the police, she alleged that officers also sided with the drivers instead of intervening.

After her post went viral, the government swiftly responded. Tourism Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas intervened, leading to immediate departmental action.

Two police officials -- Grade Sub-Inspector George Kurian and Assistant Sub-Inspector Saju Paulose -- were suspended for failing to assist the tourist and allegedly supporting the local drivers.

Three taxi drivers, P. Vijayakumar (40), K. Vinayakan, and A. Aneesh Kumar (40), were arrested on charges of wrongful restraint and criminal intimidation but were later released on station bail.

The Transport Department has initiated steps to cancel the licenses of the drivers as directed by the minister. Ganesh Kumar warned that similar incidents in the future would invite severe repercussions, saying, "No one will be allowed to damage Kerala's image as a safe and welcoming tourism destination".

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I support action against harassment, I hope the government also addresses the genuine concerns of local taxi drivers about their livelihoods. Many depend on tourism for survival. There should be a balanced approach that protects both tourists and local workers.
S
Sarah B
I visited Munnar last year and faced similar pressure from local taxi unions. It's really disappointing when you're just trying to enjoy your vacation. Good to see swift action this time. Kerala is too beautiful to be spoiled by such incidents.
A
Arjun K
The police siding with the harassers is the most concerning part. What's the point of having law enforcement if they don't protect citizens? The suspensions are justified but there should be proper training for police on how to handle such situations.
M
Michael C
As someone who loves traveling to Kerala, this is worrying. But I appreciate that the government acted quickly once the issue went viral. Hope this sets an example for other tourist destinations in India too. Safety should be non-negotiable for tourists.
K
Kavya N
While the action is good, I'm concerned this might be just for show. These drivers were released on station bail quickly. The real test will be if the government follows through with license cancellation and ensures this doesn't happen again. 🤔

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