06/07/2012
Molestation of Lady Driver by miscreants at domestic airport
Viira Cabs is a taxi service by women drivers. We are the only ladies taxi service in the country that owns 20 cabs and employes 25 drivers - we provide full time employment with all statutory benefits and look after all aspects of employee welfare. We have a motor training school and in the past year we have empowered 120+ women by training them to be commercial drivers.
Lady Taxi driver molested in full public view at supposedly secure Mumbai Airport
On 3rd June 2012, at approximately 2pm, at the arrival area of Domestic Airport Terminal 1 B, there was an altercation between our lady driver Ruchita Parkar and the cool cab drivers. After the altercation one cool cab driver continued to harass her by making obscene remarks and lewd gestures. When she asked him to stop, he attacked her, threw her down, pinned her and hit her. Two other lady drivers came to her aid but they were surrounded by a mob of male drivers who pushed and threatened them. The police then turned up and they took them to the police station and filed an NC.
Police officers refused to file FIR
I reached the police station at 2.45 and met the Day PI Anawkar and Sr PI Taral and requested an FIR be lodged. I told them the safety of my employees was my responsibility, justice was our right and if molesters and abusers were allowed to go scot free it would set a terrible precedent. They tried very hard to dissuade me.
Security Cameras don’t work
They tried to avoid the case by saying that they were unsure of what happened. I told them I was certain of what my girls had reported and requested them to access the security camera footage and confirm the same. I was shocked to learn from SPI Taral that none of the 5 cameras in that sensitive area were working!
But having done the medical examination of our girls and seeing her wounds I kept insisting on the an FIR and at around 5 pm they finally relented and began the process of taking the statement.
Threatened by alleged union leaders in the Police Station
By 5.45 SPI Taral called me and said that the unions were going on strike and I should not make a complaint. I refused to succumb to the pressure. I met ACP Sankhe at 6pm and requested the same. He then met me along with some alleged union leaders and SPI Taral at 6.30. I said I had no issue with unions, some men had attacked girls and hit them and case should be filed. Right there in the police station the alleged union leaders threatened me that if I would not give up my demand for a FIR, they would file cases against me and my girls! I was shocked at being threatened in the ACP’s office! While the ACP assured me that my complaint could be filed by he asked me to have a discussion with these people in SPI Taral’s room. There these 10 men got absolute belligerent and warned me not to make a complaint - all in the presence of SPI Taral!
I again had to go to the ACP and ask him why I was being subject to such intimidation. He finally told the Day PI to take down the FIR. Till the last moment SPI Taral kept telling me that the accused was not guilty and I should have not made a complaint! I finished at 10pm. It took me 8 hours to get an FIR lodged!
The scam at Domestic Airport
Irshaad Ali and others of Mumbai Taxi Union were the ones who threatened me. They were also accompanied by some members of Mumbai Taxi Sanghatana. I have spoken to all established taxi unions like Mumbai Taximen’s Union and found out that this alleged “Mumbai Taxi Union” is not a union but a gang of 50 odd men carry on a number of illegitimate activities at the airport precinct itself! The domestic terminal pre-paid counter is a hornet’s nest... they do not provide cab numbers, the result is that the touts grab passengers and choose the cab driver who is willing to pay them money! They intimidate and beat up hapless drivers who are standing in the queue for hours. And conveniently the security cameras in this area are not working! The connivance of the authorities and these bullies is clearly seen!
Viira is a small operation with a sincere effort to empower women from low socio-economic strata! I am shocked that Mumbai Airport is such a cesspool of lawlessness. It is very saddening to see both the police force and CISF behaving as if they have no power over these goons.
Regards,
Preeti Sharma Menon
Managing Director, Viira Travels and Logistics Private Limited
Proprietor, Viira Motor Training School
