Krishnagiri: A dispute between autorickshaw and minibus drivers led to a road blockade on the Pochampally–Kallavi Road in Krishnagiri district on Saturday, bringing traffic to a standstill and inconveniencing students and office goers.Police said the dispute broke out when auto-rickshaw drivers picked up passengers, triggering a heated confrontation with minibus drivers. “Autorickshaw drivers then staged a sit-in and blocked the road, leaving vehicles stranded in both directions,” said a police officer.Officials said more than 50 autorickshaws and three minibus services operate in the area. However, growing competition for passengers had recently caused tensions, with both groups accusing each other of violating traffic regulations. Both sides had earlier lodged separate complaints at Pochampally police station. Police had mediated and advised the drivers to continue operating without inconveniencing the public.On Saturday, police reached the spot and held talks with the protesters, assuring them of suitable action. The drivers subsequently ended the protest and dispersed.Meanwhile, residents and social activists alike have urged district officials and police to introduce clear operating rules to prevent recurring disputes. They also flagged repeated clashes on the road pose risks and cause inconvenience to the public.(Photos: S Parthiban)
