Bengal minister assures strong action against rogue taxi drivers

Kolkata, July 14 (IANS) In the wake of several incidents of crime involving taxi drivers, West Bengal Transport Minister Madan Mitra Monday assured of necessary steps to rein in the rogue operators.

"We will take steps to ensure those who walk on this path will have to pay the price. If required, we would enact strong legislation and amend existing laws to rein in the rogue drivers," Mitra asserted.

He said his department will convene a meeting with representatives of taxi associations and police to bring in extra security measures.

Mitra was reacting to the twin incidents of a taxi driver molesting a woman passenger and another assaulting two male passengers Sunday.

Both the drivers have been arrested.

Mitra said licences of taxi drivers found guilty would be cancelled.

Bengal Taxi Association general secretary Bimal Guha said "political patronage and police inaction" was behind taxi drivers turning rogue.