VASCO: The vulnerability of taxi operators, serving as frontline workers in the transportation sector was exposed when a cabbie was allegedly assaulted by a tout at the Dabolim International Airport, early Tuesday morning, for resisting touting near the taxi counter at the airport.
According to United Taximen Union, the incident occurred at around 3 am, where a tout assaulted a yellow and black taxi operator at the airport after the latter resisted touting near the taxi counter at the airport. The taxi driver sustained grievous injuries such as fracture to his nose and other facial bones and was later hospitalised.
Condemning the attack, the Union has expressed its deep concern over the safety and security of its members in the wake of such attacks.
The Union has emphasised the vulnerability of taxi operators, who serve as frontline workers in the transportation sector. The union has demanded expedited measures from the authorities to ensure the safety and protection of its members.
The Union president Shailesh Mayekar has demanded strong enforcement measures to prevent touting and illegal taxi operators to ensure the safety of taxi operators and passengers at the airport.
Mayekar alleged that the touts were always under the influence of alcohol or consuming narcotic substances making it difficult to tackle the menace at the airport.
He said that earlier, on Monday night, the tout was stopped by one of the Union members from touting at the airport and the accused threatened them of dire consequences.
Mayekar said that due to the absence of police, touts were active only during night hours and were fleecing the passengers.
He demanded some measures by the police and airport authorities to deter passengers from being fleeced by touts.
