A controversy has erupted at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Amritsar's Manawala campus A taxi driver has alleged that he was verbally abused by a Security Guard at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Amritsar's Manawala campus during a passenger pickup, sparking protests from members of the taxi union. The union has demanded strict action against the accused Guard and warned of a major agitation if the matter is not addressed.

  
Statements of the victim

According to the complainant, Prabhbir Singh, he had reached the IIM Manawala campus to pick up a passenger through an Uber booking. As per the institute's security protocol, he deposited his driving licence with the security staff before entering the campus. Prabhbir claimed that after dropping off the passenger and returning to collect his licence, he suggested that drivers' identity cards should be returned at the entry barricade itself to avoid unnecessary inconvenience. He alleged that the Security Guard reacted aggressively, used abusive language and created an unnecessary confrontation.

  
Taxi driver’s union

As news of the incident spread, several taxi drivers gathered outside the campus in support of their colleague. Members of the taxi union alleged that despite waiting for hours and informing the police about the matter, no action was taken against the security personnel. The agitating drivers demanded that the institute immediately review its practice of collecting identity cards from taxi drivers. They also sought strict disciplinary and legal action against the Security Guard accused of misconduct, alleging that drivers are often subjected to unnecessary harassment while performing their duties.

  
Taxi Union Chairman Pragat Singh

Panch Pradhani Taxi Union Chairman Pragat Singh strongly condemned the incident, stating that taxi drivers deserve respect and should not be mistreated while carrying passengers. He claimed that incidents involving the alleged harassment of Sikh drivers have surfaced in different parts of the country and said it was concerning that similar allegations were now emerging in Punjab.

  
Warning to the administeration

Issuing a warning to the institute's administration, the union said that if prompt action is not taken, it will stage a protest outside the IIM Manawala campus. It further warned that the agitation could escalate into a blockade of the institute if the demands remain unresolved. Meanwhile, when attempts were made to seek a response from police officials regarding the allegations, they reportedly declined to comment. At the time of publication, the IIM Amritsar administration had also not issued any official statement on the matter.

The allegations made by the taxi driver and the union are yet to be independently verified, and an official response from the institute is awaited.

IIM Amritsar row: Taxi union demands action over alleged abuse by Security Guard