Taxi operators allege attacks

Kochi: The taxi Operators Association of Kerala has expressed apprehension over the increasing incidents of attacks against services carrying IT professionals from the Infopark and other places in Kakkanad by anti-social elements. The vehicles operated by MGS Travels carrying IT staff from Kakkanad came under attack several times in the recent past, CP Ajith President of TOAK said on Sunday.

The police not taking prompt action against the culprits has also accentuated the situation, he added. “Although we have even identified the persons involved in the attacks the police has failed to apprehend them,” he said.    

The trouble started few months ago with authorities of MGS Travels terminating services of few operators attached with the travels following complaints registered by the clients, he said.

The complaints included misbehviour, late reporting and cancellation of trips without prior notice. “Several IT companies have submitted written complaints about some of the drivers prompting the taxi services provider to take action against them”, he added. The Infopark and surrounding areas in Kakkanad is the IT hub of Kochi with nearly 30,000 people working in various companies. Several of these companies have large number of staff catering to ITES requiring pick-up and dropping from in and around Kochi. “The taxi operators have to maintain a strict schedule of pick-up and dropping. Any default in these matters will lead to immediate termination of the contract by the companies”, Ajith said. Around 20-25 taxi operators are providing services to IT and ITES companies in the Kakkanad region and problems are created by only a handful of persons.