In yet another DNA campaign, an auto driver refused to ride a female banker for just 1 km at Andheri. The woman clicked pictures of the auto number plate and sent it to DNA office for help. The DNA in return has passed on the auto-rickshaw number to Bhandup traffic police to initiate action for fare refusal. The woman identified as Sheetal Mishra who is a resident of Sahyadri Nagar, Bhandup (W) and works in a bank at Andheri. The auto-rickshaw number is MH-03 BT- 5536. Mishra complained that daily she wastes at least 15-20 minutes to take an auto to return home from her yoga classes. She also complained that the auto drivers always refused short-distance routes. “On Thursday at 8.30 pm while returning from yoga classes, I was waiting for the auto to return home, but after waiting for 15 minutes one auto driver stopped. But when I told him my destination he refused for the fare. I clicked pictures of his auto number plate and sent to it DNA newspaper and also tweeted on twitter. Most of the time I call Mumbai police on 100 number and request for their help to catch auto for the ride,” Sheetal Mishra explained. “Daily I go to yoga classes and I waste 15-20 minutes waiting for an auto. Rickshaw drivers never come for short-distance rides. Auto drivers are always ready for longer routes since they not only make good earnings, but due to traffic congestion the meter readings keeps jumping.” In another incident, CA by profession Vijay Mishra, from Andheri (E) was refused for short journey on Friday evening. Speaking with DNA Vijay Mishra said, “On Friday I called out an auto-rickshaw from Sakinaka’s Khairani Road to return home. However, (auto-rickshaw number MH-03-CT-2696) the auto stopped and when I told the destination he refused blatantly. The auto driver told me that he only wants to take longer routes. I immediately clicked the picture as they can’t refuse to commute passengers. I clicked pictures and sent it to DNA office seeking help.” DNA also gave both auto-rickshaw numbers to the Mulund traffic division and informed them to take necessary action against the drivers for refusing commuters. Senior Inspector Vijay Bhise, while speaking with DNA said, “We received Sheetal Mishra and Vijay Mishra’s complaint and we are working on it. We will call both drivers and will fine him Rs 200 for refusing to commute. If an auto or taxi driver wants to go for lunch or any break he should put half down meter and drive the auto or taxi.”

Stay updated with all the Mumbai Latest News headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.