Accused Auto Driver Detained Following Passenger Harassment at Agartala Airport, Public Demands Strict Action
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, November 13, 2026
The controversy over alleged harassment of passengers by auto-rickshaw drivers in front of Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport in Agartala has intensified, with police detaining another driver, identified as Pradip Sarkar (53), in connection with the incident. The latest action has once again brought the issue of passenger safety, transport regulation and alleged obstruction of app-based taxi services into the spotlight.
The incident has triggered widespread reactions on social media, with several passengers and members of the public sharing their own experiences of alleged harassment at the airport and Agartala Railway Station. Many have questioned whether repeated arrests alone can bring an end to the problem, arguing that stronger and more lasting administrative measures are necessary.
Several people have alleged that auto-rickshaw drivers have been intimidating passengers, creating difficulties for those wishing to use app-based cab services such as Uber. Members of the public have maintained that passengers should have the freedom to choose their preferred mode of transport and that no local transport operator has the right to prevent them from hiring an app-based vehicle.
One social media user claimed to have witnessed the same auto driver involved in an earlier dispute with a passenger from Bishalgarh at Battala, where police reportedly had to intervene to resolve the matter. Others shared similar experiences, alleging that such incidents are not confined to the airport but also occur at the railway station and other busy locations in the city.
The latest detention has prompted demands for action beyond temporary arrests. Several people have suggested that the driving licences and route permits of drivers found guilty of repeated violations should be suspended for six months or cancelled permanently, depending on the seriousness of the offence and the applicable legal provisions. They argued that without meaningful consequences, such incidents are likely to recur.
Questions have also been raised over the conduct of a traffic police personnel allegedly present at the scene. According to comments circulated on social media, a passenger had reportedly sought police assistance, but the personnel allegedly left without taking appropriate action. Several people have demanded that the officer concerned be issued a show-cause notice and that an inquiry be conducted to establish whether there was any dereliction of duty. They have argued that accountability should extend to officials who fail to respond to complaints while on duty.
The controversy has also raised questions about the implementation of the transport arrangements introduced at Agartala Railway Station and MBB Airport. The facilities were inaugurated by the state's Transport Minister with the stated objective of improving passenger convenience and ensuring organised transport services. However, allegations that certain auto-rickshaw operators are disregarding the prescribed arrangements have raised concerns about monitoring and enforcement.
People have questioned why passengers continue to face difficulties despite repeated police interventions and detentions. They have urged the Transport Department, Traffic Police and Airport authorities to establish a coordinated mechanism to prevent harassment, protect passengers and ensure that all authorised transport operators follow the rules.
Many have also called for a dedicated passenger grievance system, regular police deployment at sensitive transport points, clear identification of authorised vehicles and strict enforcement against anyone obstructing lawful passenger transport services.
The central demand emerging from the public reaction is that the issue should not end with another detention or a photograph of police action. Citizens want a transparent investigation, appropriate legal proceedings against those found responsible and accountability from officials who allegedly fail to discharge their duties.
With allegations of repeated incidents at both the airport and railway station continuing to surface, the challenge before the authorities is to ensure that passengers, including tourists and visitors arriving from outside Tripura, can travel without intimidation or unnecessary interference. The public is now looking for sustained enforcement rather than temporary action following every fresh complaint.
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