Bhubaneswar: Hours after he released a video message expressing regret over Wednesday’s violence along Mahatma Gandhi Marg in Bhubaneswar and urging authorities to release the seized autorickshaws, Dinabandhu Nayak, president of an app-based vehicle drivers’ association in the city, was arrested from Puri outskirts on Friday for his alleged role in the rampage.He had taken shelter in a driver’s house, a senior police officer said.Nayak had mobilised members of the app-based transport unions and orchestrated road blockades, pressing unresolved demands over cab‑aggregator fare regulation. The agitation spiralled into violence as protesters pelted police with stones, damaged public buses, police vans and private cars.At least 113 drivers were arrested and 354 autorickshaws seized, while Nayak had remained absconding after the incident.In the video post, Nayak said, “On behalf of the drivers, I apologise for the violent demonstration. This should not have happened.”Police reiterated a zero‑tolerance stance. “The drivers, including their president, disturbed law and order, and fomented violence,” said additional commissioner of police Narasingha Bhol.Nayak, however, lashed out at police for branding the drivers as “goondas”. Appealing to the police and transport department not to harass the auto drivers by cancelling their vehicle permits, Nayak added: “Autos are our only source of income.”Denying any political motive behind the protest, Nayak insisted: “We are fighting for genuine issues — increased fares and social security. We have no political intent.”
