Kerala Auto Driver's Suicide: Detailed Facebook Post Blames MVD, Claims 'Destroyed Livelihood After Refusing To Pay Bribe'
Malappuram, Kerala: Shoukath M, a native of Mundamparamba near Kizhisseri in Malappuram allegedly died by suicide on Thursday. The 33-year-old autorickshaw driver blamed Kerala motor vehicles department (MVD) for his death. Stating that the MVD is solely responsible for his death, the auto driver alleged the officials destroyed his livelihood by denying a fitness certificate to his vehicle for nearly 10 months after he refused to pay a bribe.
In a detailed Facebook post, Shoukath said MVD had rejected his autorickshaw during a fitness inspection, citing steel work installed beside the driver’s section. He then pointed out that the department had certified the same vehicle on two previous occasions despite the structure being present.
Shoukath had bought the autorickshaw five years ago and initially received its documents, including the fitness certificate, by post from the Kondotty sub-RTO office. After the certificate expired, he approached an MVD agent, who allegedly demanded Rs 2,000 for obtaining a fitness certificate after inspection and Rs 4,000 without an inspection.
The driver alleged that the MVD had rejected his autorickshaw during a fitness inspection, citing steel work installed beside the driver’s section. However, he pointed out that the department had certified the same vehicle on two previous occasions despite the structure being present.
