Bengaluru: In a week’s time, the Bengaluru traffic police have seized over 5,400 autorickshaws for charging extra fare and refusing to ply to passengers’ destinations.

On Tuesday, over 1,000 autorickshaw drivers gathered in front of Town Hall and protested against the drive by the traffic police.

Mr Kanthraju, organising secretary, Adrash Auto Union, said, “We are against the traffic police booking cases against honest auto drivers. We are being harassed by the police.

Under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, there are 22 conditions governing the permits for autorickshaws. The traffic police have recommended 10 additional conditions”

“Neither there is any amendment nor any legality pertaining to these additional conditions. But auto drivers’ driving licences, permits and even the vehicles are being seized by the police. It is not fair.”

He said, “The police have been booking cases for charging excess fare by taking autos in the guise of passengers. These policemen first offer Rs 200-300 fare and are taking the auto drivers directly to police stations and seizing their vehicles.

The auto drivers get greedy, accept the additional fare offered and fall for the trick. The police should first focus on improving the infrastructure.”