By IANS,
Wellington : An Indian taxi driver was fatally stabbed early Sunday in New Zealand, a media report said.
Thirtynine-year-old Hiren Mohini was driving the taxi which went off the road and collided with a tree at about 1.30 a.m.
An emergency device in the taxi was triggered on impact and other taxi drivers reached the scene within minutes. Locals too rushed to help the victim and emergency services were called, but Mohini died at the spot.
New Zealand Herald reported that a post mortem examination revealed Mohini had a stab wound to his torso.
Police wanted to speak to a young man who was seen running immediately after the crash.
They believe the man hired Mohini’s taxi at about 1.20 a.m. Security surveillance footage was being assessed.
Auckland Co-operative Taxi Society chairman Ian Graham said Mohini had been with the company for three years and added they were “deeply saddened by the tragic case of Mr Mohini”.
“All our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.
“The company is in shock and anger that a young family man, working hard to provide for his family has been taken in such a senseless act of violence.”
He observed that some taxi drivers had attempted to go to his aid but arrived too late.
“It’s the comradeship in the guys, we are a society and we try and look after each other.
“He was a very quiet, reserved gentleman. A true family man, loved his family, and all he was doing was going about trying to earn an honest living doing a public service,” Graham was quoted as saying.