Telangana auto drivers' union chief in custody for attacking transport official

HYDERABAD: Telangana auto drivers' union president Amanullah Khan was taken into custody on Thursday for allegedly assaulting a Regional Transport Officer (RTO). In protest against the incident, all Regional Transprot Authority (RTA) employees in the city observed pen-down strike, hitting all services.
Around 12 noon, Amanullah Khan went to the cabin of TL Manik Prabhu RTO, Mehdipatnam, requesting registration of a new auto.However, since there were no instructions from the head office, Manik Prabhu asked Amanullah Khan and his associates to return after a few days.
"Actually, there was a ban on registration of new autos. However, a few days ago the high court gave an order allowing registration of new autos. Therefore I cannot take up registration until orders come from the transport department headquarters. So, I asked them to come back after a few days. This annoyed Amanullah Khan, who manhandled me,'' Manik Prabhu told TOI.
The victim suffered a minor injury on his hand and he immediately lodged a complaint with the Langar Houz police, who in turn took Amanullah Khan into custody and registered a case under section 353 (Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Langar Houz inspector NB Ratnam said, "He is in our custody and he will be arrested,''.
The incident had a fallout on all services at RTA offices across the city as employees abstained from their duties, which led to severe inconvenience to general public. It is learnt that the employees are planning to continue their pen-down strike on Friday too.