Ahmedabad Police File 1,716 Cases Against Rickshaw Drivers; Union Threatens Citywide Strike

Ahmedabad: In a sweeping traffic enforcement drive, the Ahmedabad Traffic Police registered 1,716 cases against auto-rickshaw drivers within a span of eight hours. The crackdown, which took place between 9 AM and 5 PM on 20 July, was part of a citywide operation aimed at tightening compliance with traffic regulations. Police officials said the drive was launched to improve road safety and raise awareness among vehicle operators about following the rules.

A large number of violations were recorded during the operation, including driving without valid licenses, missing documents, non-functional or tampered meters, and transporting more passengers than legally permitted. As a result, 98 rickshaws were detained specifically for fare meter-related issues. An additional 309 vehicles were seized for lacking proper documentation, while 79 rickshaws were impounded for overcrowding. Authorities collected a total of ₹15.44 lakh in fines by the end of the day.

While the police hailed the initiative as a necessary step to restore traffic discipline, the move has sparked a sharp backlash from the city’s rickshaw drivers. The Auto Rickshaw Union has accused the police of harassment and misuse of power, and has threatened to go on an indefinite strike starting midnight. According to union leaders, the current enforcement strategy is not only excessive but also selectively targets rickshaw drivers while ignoring violations by other types of public transport vehicles such as motorcycles, taxis, and buses.

In a formal complaint submitted to the Police Commissioner, the union alleged that officers were using the Motor Vehicles Act to harass rickshaw drivers under the pretext of fulfilling “targets.” They claimed that rickshaws were being impounded even when drivers possessed all the required documents, and that fines were often imposed unfairly. The union also accused certain police personnel of corruption, stating that heavy vehicles like tractors and luxury vans were being allowed to operate freely in exchange for bribes, while rickshaw drivers were being punished disproportionately.

The rickshaw drivers maintain that they are fully prepared to follow the law and uphold traffic rules, but argue that the way the rules are being enforced is unjust and damaging to their livelihood. They have demanded the immediate release of all detained rickshaws that have complete documentation, and an end to what they call unwarranted police interference in their work.

As the deadline for the threatened strike approaches, the city is bracing for widespread disruption. If the strike goes ahead, Ahmedabad could see a complete halt in rickshaw services from midnight onwards, affecting thousands of daily commuters and potentially paralyzing public transport in key areas.

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