Probe death of auto driver in Kasaragod: DYFI

Mangaluru: The DYFI has demanded a thorough investigation into the death of autorickshaw driver Mahammad Shareef, who was found dead at Kunjathurpadavu in Manjeshwar, Kasaragod district. DYFI district president BK Imthiyaz stated that the family of Shareef should be given financial assistance to compensate for the loss.

The deceased, Mahammad Shareef, who lived in Kolnadu in Mulki, was found dead in Manjeshwar. The investigation suggests that assailants lured him by requesting an autorickshaw ride, and subsequently attacked him with lethal weapons, and disposed of his remains in a deep well, Imthiyaz stated.

"The shocking incident has deeply disturbed autorickshaw drivers across Dakshina Kannada. The DYFI Dakshina Kannada District Committee has demanded that the police arrest the culprits and conduct a thorough investigation into the murder of Shareef. Violent attacks leading to the deaths of autorickshaw drivers in isolated locations have occurred previously in Dakshina Kannada. Such instances were reported at Natekal, Thokkotu, and Nettarakere in the past. In the district, numerous criminal elements have specifically targeted vulnerable autorickshaw drivers from poor backgrounds. These incidents occur frequently due to the existing communal tensions and divisive political atmosphere in the region," Imthiyaz said.

DYFI district secretary Santhosh Bajal said that despite their daily struggles to earn a living, autorickshaw drivers continue to be vulnerable and neglected. Unfortunately, successive govts have failed to introduce welfare schemes for autorickshaw drivers working in the unorganised sector. The absence of monetary support for the families of slain drivers has created additional distress among workers who struggle daily to earn their livelihood, he added.