Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Feb 19: A luxury cruiser Costa Vitoria, had arrived at New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT) here from France on Monday. One of the tourists who arrived by the said ship later complained that she was harassed by a taxi driver.

The ship with over 500 tourists had touched the shore here on Monday. The tourists were received in traditional Tulunadu style. The tourists then visited different places of tourist interest in taxis and other means of transport. When returning in the evening, a taxi driver reportedly harassed a French woman when speaking to her. The woman, who felt embarrassed, informed others after return. Panambur police, who came to know of the incident, visited the spot and made inquiries.

When questioned by officials, the taxi driver in question confessed that an argument had arisen between the two over hire charges. "The women gave Rs 2,000 currency note and I returned Rs 1,000. She insisted that I should have taken only Rs 800 but I told her that my waiting charge of Rs 200 is included in the charges. But she continued to argue with me," the driver said.

The policemen and officials, after talking to both, sent the driver away after warning him. The ship thereafter sailed to Kochi. It is learnt that the officials have warned the agency that the taxi driver who was accused of harassing the woman should not be allowed to enter NMPT henceforth and he should not be allowed to ferry foreign travellers. This happened at 3 pm on Tuesday.