6 days ago
Kerala Auto Driver Dies After Alleging MVD Harassment
Shoukat was an autorickshaw driver in Kerala.
He said government vehicle officials would not give his autorickshaw a required fitness certificate.
He claimed this stopped him from working and caused serious money problems.
He also said officials treated people differently when they did not use agents.
Before he died, he wrote a message on Facebook blaming the department and asking for an investigation.
Police are investigating his death.
The transport minister has ordered an inquiry into what happened.
Driver unions are protesting and want action if the allegations are proven.
Shoukat, an autorickshaw driver from Malappuram, was found dead at his home after posting allegations against the Motor Vehicles Department.
He alleged that officials repeatedly denied his vehicle a fitness certificate after he approached them directly instead of using an agent.
Shoukat said the dispute lasted about 10 months, preventing him from operating his vehicle and causing loan defaults and financial distress.
He claimed his credit score fell from 820 to 600 and that officials might blame steel modifications previously certified as legal.
The transport minister ordered an inquiry, while police investigated and unions protested against alleged MVD harassment and the agent system.
- Who
- Shoukat, an autorickshaw driver from Mundaparambu or Mundamparamba near Kizhisseri, and Kerala Motor Vehicles Department officials are central to the incident.
- What
- Shoukat allegedly died by suicide after accusing MVD officials of denying his vehicle a fitness certificate and harassing him.
- Where
- The incident occurred at Shoukat's home near Kizhisseri in Malappuram, Kerala, and involved the Kondotty Sub-Regional Transport Office.
- When
- He was found dead on Thursday after posting the allegations; he said he had pursued the certificate for about 10 months.
- Why
- Shoukat alleged that the certificate denial prevented him from earning a livelihood, caused loan and financial problems, and was connected to corruption involving MVD agents.
Shoukat's Allegations and Union Claims
Government Response and Pending Inquiry
Fitness certificate denial
Shoukat's Allegations and Union Claims
Shoukat alleged that MVD officials obstructed his livelihood by repeatedly denying his autorickshaw a fitness certificate because he approached the department directly rather than through an agent. Unions said drivers regularly faced similar harassment.
Government Response and Pending Inquiry
The government has not established that officials acted improperly. Its inquiry will examine possible lapses or harassment during the inspection and later procedures.
Vehicle modifications
Shoukat's Allegations and Union Claims
Shoukat said officials might argue that steel modifications made his vehicle unfit, but he claimed the modifications had previously been certified as legal.
Government Response and Pending Inquiry
The inquiry will review the vehicle-related claims, including the visuals and note Shoukat posted on social media.
Agent system and accountability
Shoukat's Allegations and Union Claims
Shoukat described the MVD agent system as a major source of corruption and called for its abolition. Protesters demanded a case and action against responsible officials.
Government Response and Pending Inquiry
Minister C. P. John ordered an investigation and said strict action would follow if anyone was found responsible. He also directed MVD officials not to harass people earning their livelihoods.
Key facts
- Deceased
- Shoukat, described in the reports as either 33 or 35 years old
- Occupation
- Autorickshaw driver for about four years
- Disputed issue
- Alleged repeated denial of a fitness certificate for his autorickshaw
- Financial claims
- Shoukat said he defaulted on vehicle-loan payments and that his credit score fell from 820 to 600
- Police action
- Areekode police registered a case of unnatural death and began an investigation
- Government response
- Transport Minister C. P. John ordered a comprehensive inquiry and sought a preliminary report
- Protest
- Autorickshaw drivers' and employees' unions blocked a road at Kizhisseri for about an hour and demanded action
Quotes
C P John
Kerala Transport Minister who ordered an inquiry into Shoukat's death
“My death is solely the responsibility of the Kerala Motor Vehicles Department. They destroyed my means of livelihood for the sole reason that I did not pay a bribe.”
thehansindia.com
“extremely unfortunate and painful”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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