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Kerala Suspends Licences of Three Munnar Taxi Drivers After Tourist’s Harassment Video

State transport officials imposed six-month licence suspensions following a viral complaint that refocused attention on long‑running disputes over app‑based cabs in Munnar.

Overview

  • Munnar police registered a suo motu FIR on November 2 under BNS sections for wrongful restraint, criminal intimidation and common intention after the incident on October 30 near the KSRTC bus stand.
  • Three drivers — Vinayakan, Vijayakumar and A. Aneesh Kumar — were arrested after being identified from the footage, and officers are seeking the complainant’s statement as the investigation continues.
  • Assistant Sub-Inspector Saju Paulose and Grade Sub-Inspector George Kurian were suspended for failing to assist the tourist, with departmental action pending.
  • Transport Minister K. B. Ganesh Kumar ordered tough measures, labeled the conduct as goondaism, and the Motor Vehicles Department began permit-cancellation proceedings after issuing six-month licence suspensions.
  • The BJP and BMS held a protest march to the Munnar police station in support of the drivers, urging withdrawal of the case and of the police suspensions.