Kochi : City police arrested three members of a private bus crew for allegedly attacking a rickshaw driver. Ernakulam Central police registered a suo motu FIR after a video showing the crew attacking a man in the city went viral.
The arrested persons are Nahaz M Z, 28, of Palluruthy, Bristo Mathew 30, of Kumbalangi, and Nazarudheen M Z 38, of Palluruthy. The victim, a 56-year-old rickshaw driver, gave a statement that he was attacked around 7.45pm on Friday for questioning rash driving by the bus crew. A week ago, on Aug 24, employees of another bus who assaulted passengers were arrested. The police also registered 22 cases for drunk driving and seven cases under the Abkari Act.
Police said due to repeated violations and complaints involving private buses operating within the Kochi city limits, the police conducted 39 raids at various locations on Aug 23 and action was taken against six buses.
Police said the bus crew will be questioned soon. Police later identified that the attack occurred near a petrol pump close to Ernakulam Town Hall and traced the victim. As per the FIR, those involved are crew members of the bus ‘Sajimon’. The FIR states that although no complaint was received, it was clear from the video that a serious criminal offence has taken place and that since it is a matter that affects general peace and law and order, the FIR was being registered suo motu. After a video of the assault was circulated on social media, the Ernakulam North police registered a case suo motu, following the directions of Kochi city police commissioner.
The case was registered early on Saturday morning after a sub-inspector attached to the Central Police station came across the video on Facebook .