Toto services in Arambagh town were disrupted for several hours following a clash between two groups of drivers. The conflict began on Friday when a fight broke out between drivers Saddam Hossain and Nazar Ali. Within minutes, members of both groups gathered at the spot, heightening tension until Arambagh police intervened and brought the situation under control.
Trouble escalated again on Saturday when supporters of the injured driver, Nazar Ali, blocked Hospital Road, protesting the delay in arresting the accused. The blockade was lifted only after police assured action, and Saddam Hossain was arrested later in the afternoon.
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The dispute reportedly started over mic announcements urging drivers to follow the state government’s fixed registration fees for e-rickshaws and totos. Nazar Ali, secretary of the Arambagh Town Trinamool Toto organisation, was making the announcements. Saddam allegedly opposed paying the fixed fee and declared a strike for next Monday.
Members of the Trinamool-backed organisation claimed Saddam and his associates assaulted Nazar Ali during the dispute. They lodged a complaint at Arambagh police station, leading to Saturday’s protest over the delayed arrest.
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Saddam, however, denied the allegations, saying, “I had a dispute with him about another matter in front of the station. I did not lay hands on him. Rather, he laid hands on me”.
On the other hand, Arambagh town INTUC president Safikul Islam (Litu) said, “Our worker was beaten up. Mic announcements were being made calling for running toto and e-rickshaws according to the state government's guidelines. Nazar Ali was in charge. He was beaten up. A complaint has been filed at the police station.”
