Private operators asked not to fleece public

Nellore: Nellore town DSP P. Venkatnath Reddy has warned the owners of private buses, auto rickshaws and city buses of stringent action for charging exorbitant fares from the passengers taking advantage of the absence of RTC buses and Samaikyandhra agitation. He was addressing the drivers and owners of private transport vehicles during a meeting convened at Umesh Chandra Hall here on Tuesday. He said that they would book cases against both the drivers and owners and seize the vehicle if they are found fleecing the travelling public henceforth. He elicited information on fares being charged by private buses to travel to Hyderabad and other cities now and before Seemandhra agitation. He chided them for hiking the fares without any justification. Referring to scores of complaints over the role of auto drivers behind crimes especially during nights, he said that the drivers operating vehicles after dusk should obtain prior permission from the police. According to Venkatnath Reddy, his department is recommending a separate colour for autos plying during night time and also insisting on the display of the photos of the owner and the driver inside the auto for the benefit of passengers. Stressing that drunken driving has become a common feature among auto drivers, he said that they are going to use breath analyzers with immediate effect to examine and book cases against such persons. He appealed the public to call 100 and alert police if they face any problem with the auto driver or anti-social elements.