Uber driver alleges harassment at MBB Airport; Transport dept issues show-cause notice to auto driver

Agartala, 27^th July 2026 :   An Uber driver has lodged a police complaint alleging that he was obstructed, harassed and prevented from picking up passengers at Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport in Agartala, prompting the Transport Department to issue a show-cause notice to an auto-rickshaw driver over the incident.

In his complaint submitted to the Officer-in-Charge of Airport Police Station, Uber driver Sriram Debnath, a resident of Nutannagar, alleged that on July 24 at around 10 am, he reached the designated pickup point outside the airport to collect passengers through the Uber app. He claimed that a group of local auto-rickshaw drivers surrounded his vehicle, and one of them forcibly opened the car door, snatched the ignition key and prevented him from completing the booked trip.

Debnath further alleged that he was verbally abused and intimidated during the incident. Although he was compelled to cancel the trip due to the hostile situation, he said the passenger later managed to retrieve the ignition key, enabling him to complete the journey. He claimed the incident caused him mental harassment, financial loss and obstruction in carrying out his profession.

He requested the police to investigate the matter using CCTV footage and other available evidence to identify those involved and take appropriate legal action.

Meanwhile, the Commissionerate of Transport issued a show-cause notice to Jhutan Acharjee, driver of auto-rickshaw registration number TR-01-F-2988, based on a written complaint filed by Binita Ghosh on July 27.

The notice states that the accused allegedly obstructed an app-based vehicle, snatched its ignition key, intimidated the driver and passengers, and threatened the complainant while allegedly challenging the authority of law enforcement agencies. Citing possible violations of the Motor Vehicles Act and permit conditions, the department directed the driver to submit a written explanation within two days, failing which ex-parte action, including suspension or cancellation of his driving licence, may be initiated.