Gurgaon: An autorickshaw driver was allegedly assaulted with iron rods near the IFFCO Chowk metro station on Wednesday after he refused to pay Rs 50 as “parking charges”.The victim, Rinku, a resident of Sukhrali village, alleged that he was attacked by one Veeru, who allegedly collects money from auto drivers for using the parking space near the station. According to other auto drivers, Rs 50 is collected daily from each vehicle to allow them to queue up at the parking area outside the station. A driver, who wished to remain anonymous, said the charge is an informal arrangement meant to regulate the line and fix fares for different routes. “It helps avoid disputes among drivers and makes it easier for passengers,” he said. The drivers claimed that several autos operating from the stand are owned by Veeru and are rented out. They claimed he had recently approached the autorickshaw union near the bus stand and was trying to establish control over the stand. “He wants to assert dominance in the area. That’s why he came and picked a fight with us,” a union member said.Police said they had received a complaint and were investigating. “The incident stemmed from a dispute over control of the parking space, which led to the assault,” an officer said.The injured driver was discharged from the hospital after treatment on Wednesday night.
