Mumbai:
An auto driver on Thursday beat up 20-year-old Simaab Vasi below the Andheri flyover in Mumbai after a spat over fares, causing him multiple head injuries.
At 9.15 am, Vasi, a resident of Mira Road, took a rickshaw from the auto stand near Landmark building in Andheri East. The driver, with rickshaw number MH-03-AK-3925, agreed to ferry Vasi to the airport. But on his way, the driver realised that Vasi wanted to go to the International airport and not the domestic one.
"I wanted to see a friend off so I took an auto from the stand. When the driver realised I wanted to go the international airport, he asked me to get down. After I did, he asked for Rs 10 for the few steps we had covered. I refused and there was an argument, said Simaab.
"The driver started beating me. So I hit back. Passers-by tried to stop the fight, but they ran away when the driver removed a wooden rod and hit my head several times. When I finally grabbed the stick from him, he scooted off," he added.
Simaab was admitted to a hospital in Mira Road where he stayed for two nights and received 22 stitches. Siraj, Simaab's father, said, "I was shocked to hear that. The doctor said that my son could have suffered brain haemorrhage if he had been hit more. I want the driver to be punished."
An official from Andheri East police station said, "We have registered a case against the auto driver under Section 326 for causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons and 504 for abusive conduct. We'll trace the driver with the RTO's help."
Sharad Rao, president of Mumbai Auto Rickshaw Union, said, "We will investigate the matter independently and inform the area's union to take action against the driver."