Mapusa: After a 65-year-old tourist from Bhopal killed in an accident in Assagao last week, All Goa Rent-A-Cab Owners’ Association on Monday filed a complaint with Anjuna Police alleging that the vehicles involved in the accident operated in violation of the motor vehicle regulations. The association has called for a high-level investigation into the registration and permit status of the cars involved.In a memorandum, the association stated that the two vehicles involved — a Mahindra Thar and a Hyundai i20 — were illegally rented. It said such unlawful practices undermine licensed rent-a-cab operators and pose a serious threat to public safety.“Due to the illegal use, the accident was caused, resulting in loss of life and significant damage,” the complaint stated, urging strict legal action against the owners.Association president Nitesh Chodankar said the Thar involved in the crash was not a registered rent-a-car but a taxi.He claimed licensed rental cars are rarely involved in accidents as operators caution customers against drinking and negligent driving. He also alleged misuse of faulty number plates to pass off taxis as rental cars.With the police investigation currently underway, the association has highlighted an alleged unlicensed rental operators. Hence the association wants the authorities to verify all credentials of vehicles falling in the category strict for adherence to transport laws.
