Tripura Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury has warned of strict action against public transport operators found harassing passengers at Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport in Agartala.

Following allegations of harassment involving two auto drivers, the Transport Department has suspended their licences and permits. The action was taken after a family accused local auto drivers of intimidating them when they booked an Uber auto from the airport on June 24.

According to Binita Ghosh, a resident of Agartala, she had arrived from Chennai with her ailing parents, who were undergoing medical treatment. She alleged that after booking an Uber auto, a local driver confronted them and snatched the vehicle’s key when they refused to hire a local auto.

A video of the incident, recorded by the victim, later went viral on social media. The footage allegedly showed a heated argument between the driver and the family members, who were seen requesting the return of the key citing their parents’ health condition.

Taking note of the incident, the Transport Department initiated action against the accused drivers, identified as Jhutan Acharjee and Dipankar Debanth. A case has also been registered against them.

Minister Sushanta Chowdhury said the government would not tolerate any form of harassment or misconduct at the airport that affects passengers. He assured that strict measures would be taken against offenders and added that plans were underway to introduce Uber and other transport services at the airport premises.