BHUBANESWAR: Two days after after the violence during the protest of ride-hailing app drivers at Master Canteen square, Smart City Online Auto Association president Dinabandhu Nayak was arrested by police from Puri on Friday.
His arrest came hours after he issued a video message offering unconditional public apology over the incident.
Nayak expressed deep regret over the incident and offered unconditional apology, while clarifying that there was no political motive behind their protest. He said that he was deeply saddened by the inconvenience and disruption caused to public due to the strike.
He, however, defended the drivers’ agitation, stating that they were hardworking daily wagers who were forced to launch the protest as their demands remained unfulfilled despite repeated request to the aggregators and the government.
He also regretted that the drivers, who are slogging 12-hours a day to make ends meet, are being branded as ‘goondas’ for raising their voice seeking better payment. He appealed to the police and Transport department not to cancel vehicle permit of the drivers as autos are their only source of income.
Police have intensified searches for others who were present on the spot during the violence. As many as 114 people have been arrested while 354 autorickshaws seized in the connection, said Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena.
Seven FIRs have also been registered while the Transport department has also initiated process to cancel permits of 385 autorickshaws mobilised for the protest.