Guwahati Taxi Drivers Accuse Traffic Officials of Harassment and Bribery

Taxi drivers in the city have accused traffic police officials of harassment and demanding bribes in exchange for deleting pictures and videos of allegedly parked vehicles. These allegations have sparked concerns about the fairness of enforcement practices in Guwahati. A taxi driver, seeking anonymity said, “I was having tea near a hotel on VIP Road in Azara, and my car was parked properly. Suddenly, a traffic police car arrived and took a picture of my car. When I asked them to delete it, they demanded money,” he said. 

The driver further alleged, “It wasn’t just me. Several other cars were fined Rs 2,000 each. When some of the drivers asked the officers to delete the photos and videos, they were asked to pay Rs 500 to Rs 1,000. Ultimately, we paid, but it’s wrong.” For taxi drivers, these fines and alleged bribes add to their financial burden. “Earning a living as a taxi driver is tough. Paying Rs 2,000 or even Rs 1,000 as a bribe can ruin our day’s income,” said another driver. “We follow the rules, but we also deserve fair treatment.”  a senior traffic police official stated that the allegations are being investigated. “An inquiry has been initiated, and we are taking this matter seriously,” the official said.