The city police have asked autorickshaw drivers and owners to prominently display the vehicle's registration number inside for safety of women commuters.
Women in the city frequently complain about several forms of misbehaviour they face while travelling. The complaints range from fellow male passengers deliberately touching them inappropriately, drivers misbehaving with them or playing loud, vulgar music.
"The most common problem we face is being inappropriately touched by fellow passengers. We confront them but they offer flimsy excuses, blaming it on overloading. The drivers are equally responsible in such cases. They should ensure that they don't take passengers over the limit," said Shikha Jain, a student.
Patna superintendent of police (SP) (traffic) P.K. Das said the drive would ensure the womenfolk can easily spot the number and immediately message it to police officers.
"If a woman feels uncomfortable or threatened by the behaviour of a fellow passenger or the autorickshaw driver, she can instantly message the vehicle number to senior police officers. The officer would track down the autorickshaw and initiate strict action," said the SP.
Anjana Saxena (39), a private banker, said: "Safe auto travel is a distant reality. I was forced to buy a two-wheeler six months ago after an auto driver and another passenger, whom I suspect was his friend, tried to molest me after stopping the vehicle at a secluded place in Patliputra. I don't think it's possible to prevent such incidents unless the fear of police is instilled in their minds."
On January 10 this year, the traffic police launched its WhatsApp number (9234500601) with an idea to crack down on errant vehicles. "The number has drawn a good response," the superintendent of police said.
In 2012, the police had revived a drive under which all autorickshaws needed to have unique codes with the records of the same noted at all police stations. However, sources said the drive was incomplete with just 70-80 per cent of autorickshaws complying with the order since 2011.
