Autos in Hry cities to have serial nos, police say move to help curb crime

GURGAON: Haryana Police will soon issue special serial numbers to autorickshaws plying in all cities of the state.
Auto unions have been asked to submit details of each vehicle, its owner, driver, their phone numbers and photographs, among other information. Police will maintain an index and issue each auto stickers with its serial number, which the driver will have to affix to the front and back of the vehicle.
The move will help cops procure details about an auto, its driver and owner with the serial number whenever required, cops said.
“The move is aimed at prevention and detection of crime,” said DCP (traffic) Virender Vij, adding that in case there is any incident involving an auto, the complainant will just have to share the serial number of the auto. “With the serial number, police will track the auto, its owner and driver instantly,” Vij added.
All drivers must ensure police verification is carried out, he said.
“The auto owners will have to inform the police if the driver of the auto changes. Absence of the serial number stickers will lead to issuing of challans,” the DCP added.
Vij said they had a meeting with auto unions and directed them to submit the details within 10 days. The stickers with serial numbers will be issued at the earliest, he added.
At present, police don’t have exact data about the number of autorickshaws plying in the city and its owners and drivers.
According to the regional transport office, over 40,000 autos are registered in the city.
“It is not clear how many of them are still operational,” the DCP said, adding that with the index, they will know the exact number.
The move is also expected to help prevent crimes against women.
“When a woman boards an auto, she can click a photo of its serial number and share it with her family or loved ones in case of an emergency. The indexing will also deter auto drivers from indulging in any antisocial and criminal activities as they will fear being caught, since we will have their information,” Vij said.
Police said that at present, it has become difficult to track an auto and its driver in case of a criminal investigation.
“Auto drivers often take advantage of this anonymity. Once they know that their photo, mobile number and personal details are with police, it will act as a deterrent,” an officer said.