Bhubaneswar: Wanted by police in connection with Wednesday’s violence by app‑based vehicle drivers along Mahatma Gandhi Marg here, their association president Dinabandhu Nayak, who remains on the run, released a video message on Friday, expressing regret and urging authorities to release the seized autorickshaws.“On behalf of the drivers, I apologise for the violent demonstration. This should not have happened,” Nayak, who heads Smart City Online Auto Association, said in the video, while continuing to evade arrest.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 transport buses, police vans and private cars. At least 113 drivers were arrested and 354 autorickshaws seized.Police reiterated a zero‑tolerance stance. “The drivers, including their president, disturbed law and order, and fomented violence. All those absconding will be arrested,” said additional commissioner of police Narasingha Bhol.Nayak, however, lashed out at police for branding the drivers as “goondas”. “Unfortunately, we have been labelled hooligans. We are daily-wagers slogging 12 hours a day to earn our livelihoods,” he said.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. Our vehicles should not be targetted. The association will facilitate bail for our colleagues.”Denying any political motive behind the protest, Nayak insisted: “We are fighting for genuine issues — increased travel fares and social security. We have no political intent.”
