Autorickshaw strike turns violent, 27 buses damaged

Surat, May 26 (UNI) Two bus drivers and as many conductors were injured and at least 27 buses damaged, as the autorickshaw strike against CNG price hike turned violent in different parts of the city today.

Surat Autorickshaw Union had called a strike today to protest the CNG price hike, but the city's bus service, operated by a private travel company, did not support the union's call and decided to operate the buses as usual. Members of the union were said to be infuriated by this and they came out on the streets. They targeted the buses, pelting stones at the vehicles and damaged as many as 27 buses.

Owner of the private travel company, Mahendra Barmetiya told newsmen that the Autorickshaw Union was against a private operator plying the city's bus. Nine bus drivers have lodged complaints with police stations of different areas of the city.

The Injured drivers and conductors were given first aid. Police is making further investigations.

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