Rising Harassment by Auto Drivers at Agartala Airport Sparks Outrage, Journalist Among Latest Victims

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, February 10, 2026

Incidents of harassment by a section of auto-rickshaw drivers at Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport, Agartala, are reportedly increasing day by day, creating serious inconvenience for passengers. What was earlier limited mostly to outstation travelers has now begun affecting local residents as well. Even well-known and respected citizens, including journalists, are not being spared from such unruly behavior.

In the latest incident, senior photojournalist Nitu De was allegedly harassed and humiliated by a group of auto drivers at Agartala Airport on Monday. The incident took place in front of his mother and wife, adding to the embarrassment and trauma faced by the family. According to the complaint, several drivers surrounded him and behaved aggressively when he attempted to use an auto-rickshaw booked through an online platform.

This is not an isolated case. Similar incidents have reportedly occurred multiple times in the past. Complaints regarding the unruly conduct of airport auto drivers have repeatedly reached the Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury. However, no effective action has been taken so far for reasons unknown, leading to growing public resentment.

Following the incident, journalist Nitu De lodged formal complaints with both the Airport Police Station and the Transport Department seeking necessary action.

Passengers allege that a section of drivers at Agartala Airport have created a syndicate-like situation. Travelers exiting the airport are allegedly forced to hire vehicles only from them at inflated rates. If any passenger books a vehicle online or calls a known driver privately, these auto drivers reportedly obstruct them and do not allow passengers to board such vehicles. There have been frequent allegations of abusive behavior and intimidation.

Despite the Transport Minister issuing warnings against such practices on several occasions, little has changed on the ground. Many feel that due to political patronage, these drivers have grown increasingly bold, and their high-handedness continues unchecked.

On Monday afternoon, Nitu De arrived at Agartala Airport with his mother, wife, and 10-month-old child. He had pre-booked an auto-rickshaw through an online service. However, when the booked vehicle arrived, airport auto drivers allegedly blocked it and insisted that he must hire an auto only from their stand. They reportedly surrounded the family and the online-booked vehicle, creating a tense situation.

When De protested against their behavior, the drivers allegedly abused him in filthy language in front of his family and even threatened physical assault. He was reportedly told that if he wished to use the online-booked vehicle, he would have to carry his luggage and walk out to the main road on foot.

The incident has once again exposed the chaotic transport management system at Agartala Airport. Citizens, journalists, and regular passengers are demanding strict administrative action to curb the growing menace and ensure safe, harassment-free travel for all.

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