Couple attempts suicide over alleged harassment by pvt finance firm

BENGALURU: A couple from KR Pura attempted suicide over alleged harassment by a private finance firm. The Taxi Drivers’ Association has expressed outrage against that private finance company.

Muthu, a resident of KR Pura, had taken a loan of Rs 35,000 to purchase a car worth Rs 7 lakh from a private company. He had agreed to pay Rs 850 daily as repayment. However, due to a dip in business, Muthu was struggling to make ends meet. He had paid Rs 850 every day for 200 days.

Muthu had returned the car to the company, but they refused to refund his Rs 35,000 deposit. Frustrated and desperate, Muthu and his wife attempted to take their own lives.

According to the agreement, the taxi was only supposed to be used for company trips. However, the company would not allow Muthu to pick up additional passengers, limiting his earning potential. The company’s policy ensured they profited from the taxi, while Muthu struggled to make a living, the association said.

The company’s refusal to refund Muthu’s deposit amount frustrated him. The Drivers Association has urged the Transport department to take action against those aggregator companies that flout regulations.

“The government has fixed a minimum fare for autos, but aggregator companies are not adhering to it. Instead, they prioritize profits, leaving drivers like Muthu struggling to survive”, the association office-bearers said.

“The Transport Department must take action against companies violating regulations. The government should ensure that drivers’ rights are protected and they receive a fair income”, they added.

“The couple has been married for only two years. Aggregator companies are not charging the rates set by the government to the drivers. While the companies are making profits, they are pushing driver to the streets”, they noted.

Raju, an autorickshaw driver said, “We are not getting customers due to some issues, so the drivers are struggling to make daily earning. We have to depend on loans for fulfill needs. We get income only during peak hours. Muthu changed from autorikshaw to car just because he was not getting income. Not one, but many drivers are suffering and harassed by the private company”.

Family members alleged that there is no business for auto drivers. “It become very tough to pay loans. A person should pay rent, school fee, loans. We are very frustrated without income. So that couple decided to end their lives”, they said.