Idukki: A Mumbai-based tourist has alleged harassment by local taxi drivers and police officers during her visit to Munnar. The issue surfaced after a video posted by the tourist, identified as Janvi, went viral on social media, prompting the police to register a suo motu case.

In the three-minute clip, Janvi, an assistant professor from Mumbai, recounted how her trip to the hill station turned distressing. After travelling to Kochi and Alappuzha using online cabs, she said she hired a similar taxi to reach Munnar. However, upon arrival near the KSRTC bus stand, a group of local taxi drivers allegedly blocked her vehicle, claiming that app-based taxis were banned in the area following a court order.

When she approached the police for assistance, officers allegedly supported the local drivers and told her she could proceed only in a local taxi. Feeling unsafe, Janvi cut her trip short and returned home. “I’ll never visit Kerala again,” she said in the video, calling the experience “deeply traumatic.”

Janvi added that consumers have the right to choose their mode of transport and alleged that the union taxi drivers demanded nearly three times the usual fare. “After I shared my experience online, I received messages from people in other states who faced similar harassment — some were followed late at night, while others were forced to stay in unsafe hotels. I love Kerala’s beauty and hospitality, but I can’t visit a place where I don’t feel safe,” she said.

Following the viral post, Munnar Police registered a suo motu case on November 2 under Sections 126(2) (wrongful restraint), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, against unidentified taxi drivers. According to the FIR, the incident occurred on October 30 near the KSRTC bus stand, about 3 km from Munnar Police Station.

The FIR noted that no property loss was reported. The investigation is being led by Sub-Inspector Deepak P P of Munnar Police Station.