Auto driver’s suicide puts MVD under scrutiny; TV Anupama to investigate

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government has assigned Transport Secretary TV Anupama to investigate the death by suicide of an auto-rickshaw driver in Malappuram following allegations that he was denied a fitness certificate for his vehicle. She has been directed to submit a preliminary report within two days.

Shoukath, a native of Munduparamba in Kizhissery, Malappuram, died by suicide after posting allegations against the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) on Facebook. In his suicide note, Shoukath alleged that officials had denied a fitness certificate for his auto-rickshaw, which was his means of livelihood, after he refused to pay a bribe. He also alleged that his request was rejected when he approached the MVD directly instead of through an agent. The note blamed the Motor Vehicles Department for his death.

“Over the past 10 months, I visited agents’ offices repeatedly, but it had no result. I have no other options left,” Shoukath said in his Facebook post. He urged people to ensure that he received justice after his death so that they would not become the next victim.
Shoukath said his decision to end his life was also a protest against the system. He alleged that the MVD had denied the fitness certificate citing steel work on the auto-rickshaw. He also expressed his final wish that the Home Minister and the High Court intervene in the matter.

Unable to operate the vehicle, Shoukath said his income had completely stopped and he was unable to repay his loans. He alleged that this had pushed him into severe financial difficulties and mental distress.
He also appealed to the public to raise their voice for justice after his death, saying that he had no family or relatives to stand by him.