Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Sep 17: A gang, which arrives during night and books a taxi on the pretext of going to a temple or tourist place that is far away, then loots the taxi driver on the way is active throughout Karnataka.

The gang is active in Mangaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi and Shivamogga districts. At least one case of this nature is reported from various parts of Karnataka. Three of the gang are already arrested. It has come to light that they are of Kalaburagi origin.

Representational image

In the first incident a gang of three people booked a taxi at KSRTC bus stand of Mangaluru on August 20, 2022 to go to Subrahmanya. When the car reached Subrahmanya, they asked the driver to change the route to go to Murudeshwara. Suspecting foul play, cab driver Rahiman says that petrol is less and asks for money with the trio. The accused in a fit of rage pull the car key and assault Rahiman. Rahiman gets hurt on the hand. Police and public come to the rescue of Rahiman. All three are arrested.

In the second incident, a gang books a cab from Mysuru to go to Tumakuru. As the car moves on Tumakuru road, the gang changes the plan and asks the driver to go to Subrahmanya. Driver suspects foul play and denies going to Subrahmanya. The driver is badly assaulted by the gang, which escapes with his car. The cab driver informs the matter to Dakshina Kannada taxi drivers, who track the car to Beltangady. However, the three accused escape from the spot.

Dinesh Kumpala, president of Dakshina Kannada Taximen and Maxi cab association says, “A few weeks earlier, a person booked a car from Mangaluru to B C Road. Police who got definite information, waylaid the car at Padil and checked the car. They found prohibited narcotic drugs. The innocent driver is languishing in jail now.”

Cab driver Mohammed Rahiman was rescued by the Manki police station personnel while he was being assaulted by the gang at Murudeshwar. They not only gave him first aid but also helped him financially.