Garhwal Post Bureau
Mussoorie, 22 Oct: The ongoing dispute regarding taxi operations in the tourist town of Mussoorie shows no signs of abating. A case involving alleged vandalism and theft at the office of the Taxi-Car Owners Association reached the Mussoorie police station (Kotwali) on Thursday, where a large number of people from both sides gathered. A heated exchange of accusations ensued, leading to a chaotic situation that forced the police to intervene and calm both parties.
While the association alleged that their office had been vandalized and cash stolen—demanding the immediate registration of a case and the arrest of those responsible—the other side denied these allegations and called for an impartial investigation. The police have begun an inquiry following the receipt of formal complaints from both parties.
Vijendra Pawar, president of the Mussoorie Taxi-Car Owners Association, along with other office-bearers, stated that the association operates according to established rules; however, some members have been picking up passengers in violation of these regulations, which disrupts the organization’s functioning. They noted that the livelihoods of approximately 800 people are linked to the association, and therefore, any attempt by individuals to bypass the rules for their own personal gain will not be tolerated. The office-bearers alleged that their office was vandalized, important registers were torn, CCTV cameras were destroyed, and cash was stolen. They have urged the police to register an FIR immediately and arrest the individuals involved. They further warned that, if no action is taken against the accused within two days, the association will go on an indefinite strike, and a ‘chakka jam’ (road blockade) will be staged in Mussoorie.
Meanwhile, Vipin Bhandari, representing the other party, has dismissed the association’s allegations. He explained that a dispute arose on Thursday morning between him and the association’s office-bearers regarding the picking up of passengers. He alleges that during this incident, some members of the association behaved indecently with him and assaulted him. Vipin Bhandari stated that neither he nor any of his associates engaged in any vandalism or looting at the association’s office. He claims that he is being framed. He has requested the police to conduct an impartial investigation based on CCTV footage, adding that if anyone has indeed vandalized or looted the office, they should face action in accordance with the law.
Vipin Bhandari asserts that transporting passengers in his own taxi is his fundamental right and that the association is exerting undue pressure on him. Conversely, the association’s office-bearers maintain that adherence to the organization’s rules is mandatory, and that picking up passengers in violation of these rules negatively impacts the livelihoods of other taxi operators. Given these conflicting claims, the true nature of the dispute is expected to be clarified through the ongoing police investigation.
Mussoorie SHO Narendra Singh confirmed that the entire matter is under investigation. Complaints have been received from both parties. Action will be taken in accordance with the law, based on the facts that emerge during the investigation.
Mussoorie SDM Rahul Anand stated that he has directed the police to take action in the matter as per the law. He emphasized that no party should receive undue protection and that the investigation must be conducted impartially. He added that the peaceful atmosphere of a tourist destination like Mussoorie will not be allowed to be compromised under any circumstances. The dispute surrounding taxi operations has now expanded to involve a police investigation, while also impacting the city’s traffic system and the livelihoods of local business owners. All eyes are now on the police’s actions and the eventual findings of the investigation.
