Excelsior Correspondent
POONCH, July 3: The Sumo/Taxi operators in Mendhar Sub Division of district Poonch are over charging from the passengers taking undue advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Due to Coronavirus traffic was banned for a long time in the country and also in district Poonch. Now, since the movement of public transport has been allowed by the Government with some restrictions of following social distancing norms and allowing limited number of passengers, the drivers are charging money from the passengers at their own sweet will.
It has been observed that by defying DM’s order, the Taxi/ Sumo operators are indulging in violations, and over charging from the hapless passengers. In entire Mendhar Sub Division, the Taxi drivers are charging the desired fare from the passengers, due to which the commuters are very paranoid. Local people have accused Taxi drivers of charging Rs 1000 to 1500 from Mendhar to Jammu.
A passenger Mohammad Manhas Khan said that he came to Mendhar from Jammu and was asked for a fare of Rs 1000 by the driver. ” When I asked it was very exorbitant, the driver got agitated and started arguing. Then he had no option but to succumb to pressure,” Khan added,
Another passenger who reached Mendhar from Jammu on another vehicle, the driver asked for Rs 1500 and had to give in compulsion.
People have urged upon the District Development Commissioner Poonch to intervene as they were being virtually looted by the Sumo/ Taxi drivers. The poor people are being crushed.
When contacted Yougal Sharma (ARTO) Poonch, he said that this matter has come to his notice. ” We will discuss with the District Police Officers today and take action against the drivers who are overcharging from the passengers.
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