‘Ten months of repeated efforts yielded no result’; Auto driver ends life after blaming MVD

MALAPPURAM: An auto driver ended his life after posting a Facebook post against the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD). The victim has been identified as Shoukath (35) of Mundamparamb in Kizhisseri, Malappuram. He committed suicide after sharing a detailed note on Facebook.

In his suicide note, Shoukath accused MVD officials of refusing to issue a fitness certificate for his auto, which was his source of livelihood, because he had not paid a bribe. He claimed that when he approached the MVD directly, his request was rejected. He also stated that the Motor Vehicles Department are responsible for his death.

‘I’ve been going from one agent’s office to another for the past ten months, but nothing worked. I have no other options left. If you do not want to become the next victim, then at least after my death, ensure that I get justice. As an Indian citizen, that is what I expect. My decision to end my life is also a protest against the system. MVD denied the fitness certificate on the grounds that steel work had been carried out on the auto. My last wish is that I want the home minister and the high court to intervene in the issue.’

Since the vehicle could no longer be driven on the road, my income stopped and I was unable to repay the loans. He said this pushed him into severe financial difficulties and mental distress. As he claimed to have no family members or relatives to stand by him, Shoukath appealed to the public to raise their voice for justice even after his death.

Shoukath also expressed concern that if a farce investigation is conducted as is usually the case, there is a possibility that the officers will escape. He alleged that the department might try to establish that the vehicle was unfit by citing the steel work done on it. However, he pointed out that the same department had certified the vehicle twice in the past. Shoukath’s body has been shifted to Manjeri Medical College.