Tripura Transport Department Moves to Cancel Permits and Driving Licences of Two Auto-Rickshaw Drivers After MBB Airport Harassment Complaints

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, July 27, 2026

In a significant crackdown on alleged harassment of passengers at Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport, the Tripura Transport Department has initiated action against two auto-rickshaw drivers accused of intimidating passengers and an Uber driver, unlawfully obstructing an app-based vehicle, and snatching its ignition key. The department has issued show-cause notices proposing cancellation of both their driving licences and auto-rickshaw permits after receiving formal complaints from two separate complainants.

Official sources in the Transport Department confirmed on Monday that two written complaints were received, one from Smt. Binita Ghosh, a resident of Siddhi Ashram, Agartala, and another from Shri Sriram Debnath, an Uber auto-rickshaw driver. Both complaints relate to an incident that allegedly occurred at around 10:00 a.m. on July 24 outside MBB Airport.

According to the Transport Department, the accused are,

Dipankar Debnath, driver of auto-rickshaw TR-01-K-2365, holding Driving Licence TR01 20150102301.

Jhutan Acharjee, driver of auto-rickshaw TR-01-F-2988, holding Driving Licence TR01 20080030914.

The department's show-cause notices state that both drivers are accused of unlawfully obstructing an app-based auto-rickshaw, forcibly snatching its ignition key, intimidating and harassing the passengers and driver, preventing the hired vehicle from carrying its passengers, and allegedly threatening the complainant while openly challenging the authority of law enforcement agencies. The notices further mention that video evidence of the incident is available and warn that such acts, if proved, would amount to serious misconduct and violations of the Motor Vehicles Act and permit conditions. The accused have been directed to submit written explanations within two days, failing which ex parte proceedings, including suspension or cancellation of their driving licences, may follow.

Family Returning from Medical Treatment

In her detailed complaint addressed to the Airport Police Station and senior transport and police officials, Binita Ghosh alleged that she, along with her family, had arrived at MBB Airport after returning from Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, where her father had undergone medical treatment. Due to his critical health condition, the family booked an Uber auto-rickshaw to travel to Siddhi Ashram for approximately Rs.170, while local airport auto-rickshaw drivers allegedly demanded between Rs. 350 and Rs. 400 for the same journey.

According to the complaint, after boarding the Uber vehicle outside the airport gate, a group of seven to eight local auto-rickshaw drivers allegedly intercepted the vehicle. One of the drivers, described as a middle-aged man wearing a blue polo T-shirt with white stripes, allegedly snatched the ignition key from the Uber driver while other drivers surrounded the vehicle, demanded to inspect the driver's mobile phone to verify the booking, and verbally abused the family with obscene language. Binita Ghosh further alleged that the group threatened them and boasted that no authority could take action against them.

She claimed that after retrieving the ignition key with considerable effort, the Uber driver eventually dropped the family safely at their destination. She described the alleged harassment as part of an organised and recurring practice by a syndicate of local auto-rickshaw drivers operating around the airport, and urged authorities to identify all those involved through available video footage, ensure enforcement of approved fare rates, make uniforms and identity cards mandatory, and guarantee unhindered access for app-based transport services.

In a separate complaint submitted to the Airport Police Station, Shri Sriram Debnath, the Uber driver, alleged that while he arrived at the designated pickup point to collect a passenger booked through the Uber app, several local auto-rickshaw drivers surrounded his vehicle. He alleged that one of them forcibly opened his vehicle door, snatched the ignition key, threatened him, obstructed him from completing the trip, and subjected him to abusive behaviour. He further stated that because of the hostile situation, he had to cancel the ride, causing him mental distress and financial loss. He requested authorities to examine CCTV footage and other evidence and initiate legal proceedings against those responsible.

The incident gained statewide attention after videos and accounts circulated widely on social media, triggering fresh concerns about the conduct of a section of auto-rickshaw drivers operating around MBB Airport.

Passengers and social media users have alleged that travellers who choose app-based services or decline to hire airport auto-rickshaws frequently face intimidation, verbal abuse, and obstruction.

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