Ola-Uber-Rapido cab drivers strike: Commissionerate Police arrests 50 drivers for creating ruckus

A protest by app-based cab drivers in Bhubaneswar turned violent on Wednesday, prompting the Commissionerate Police to launch a crackdown and arrest around 50 drivers for creating a ruckus and damaging public property. The trouble began in the morning when protesting Uber, Ola and Rapido drivers gathered at Lower PMG over their payment-related grievances. Tensions escalated after a scuffle reportedly broke out between some protesters and police personnel deployed at the spot. As the protest intensified, a section of the drivers allegedly became agitated and resorted to stone-pelting. The situation took a serious turn when several public buses were targeted, with 14 Ama Buses reportedly damaged in the violence. The sudden escalation created tension in the area, forcing police personnel to intervene to prevent the situation from spiralling further. Also Read: Ola-Uber-Rapido drivers’ stir: Tension in Bhubaneswar as drivers clash with police during protest Police Launch Crackdown, 50 Arrested With efforts to pacify the protesters proving challenging, police resorted to a mild lathi charge to disperse the agitated crowd and restore normalcy in the area. The Commissionerate Police subsequently detained and arrested around 50 cab drivers in connection with the alleged violence and damage to public property. The arrests came as the authorities sought to send a strong message against vandalism and disruption of public services during protests. The cab drivers, meanwhile, have been demanding resolution of issues related to their payments and working conditions. The developments have brought renewed attention to the concerns of app-based cab drivers, who have been protesting over their grievances. Police are continuing their investigation into the incident and are examining the circumstances that led to the clash and subsequent damage to public property.