The auto menace on the streets of Calcutta.

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The street horror occurring a few days ago in Calcutta is really frightening. An auto-driver refused to stop his vehicle when a child fell off and was dragged for as much as 30 metres on the pitted road as her mother, seated inside the speeding vehicle, held on to her, trying to lift her up. The cries of the helpless mother fell on the deaf ears of not only the auto-driver but also the co-passengers who kept silent throughout this unfortunate incident. The victim narrowly escaped death. She has not only undergone immense physical pain and suffered multiple fractures but has also been psychologically traumatized. As the media raised a hue and cry over the issue, the police had to rise to the occasion. But unfortunately, it took the police four days to nab the auto-driver because they were afraid that other the auto-drivers would start agitation in protest of the arrest and may block the road causing a standstill in traffic. Similar incidents occur regularly but they do not get media attention. If the police always yield to the unlawful activities of the auto-drivers, auto-rickshaws would soon become a nightmare for daily commuters. It is high time to check the auto menace. It is also expected that commuters availing autos should not violate traffic rules themselves. Awareness camps should be conducted by government bodies. Different social groups should be incorporated in the matter to make people sensitized to the issue. I am not sure whether they are sufficient to check the auto menace but they can be tried. Have you any suggestion in this regard? Have you also the same experience in your city?