By IANS,
Thane (Maharashtra) : An India Against Corruption (IAC) volunteer, Rakesh Sarawgi was Thursday attacked by goons allegedly belonging to the local autorickshaw mafia here, an IAC representative said.
“IAC-Mumbai volunteers from the Mira-Bhayander area in Thane have been braving the wrath of the auto mafia for many months now. Rakesh was leading a campaign against rude auto drivers and exorbitant fares charged from commuters,” IAC volunteer Preeti Sharma Menon told IANS.
“Rakesh was attacked by seven-eight unidentified men with a blunt object. He was beaten up and has suffered severe injuries on the forehead. He is being treated at a local hospital,” she added.
Menon said autorickshaws from Mumbai were allowed to run in this region too, but drivers of the Mira-Bhayander Auto Union do not allow this to happen. “Moreover, they charge almost three times the rates charged by Mumbai auto drivers who ply by meter,” she said.
Thane Superintendent of Police Ravindra Shengaonkar said strict action would be taken against the culprits.
“Some men have been detained and further investigation into the matter is on. IAC volunteers should have kept police informed while conducting such a drive,” Shengaonkar said.