Auto driver ends life alleging MVD harassment
An autorickshaw driver in Kerala died by suicide after alleging that Motor Vehicles Department officials harassed him and demanded bribes for a fitness certificate. The incident has sparked concerns regarding corruption and bureaucratic hurdles for small-scale workers.
Why it matters
It underscores the severe human impact of systemic corruption and the lack of grievance redressal mechanisms for the working class.
An autorickshaw driver from Mundapparamba at Kizhissery near Kondotty ended his life on Thursday (August 27, 2026) after alleging harassment and bribery by Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) officials.
Shoukath, 35, left a detailed note on Facebook shortly before his death. He alleged that MVD officials refused to renew the fitness certificate of his autorickshaw because he did not pay bribes.
He said he had spent the last 10 months visiting agents and MVD offices to renew the fitness certificate. Without the certificate, he could not operate the autorickshaw, his only source of income. He said the loss of income left him unable to repay his loans and caused severe financial difficulties and mental distress.
In the note, Shoukath held the Kerala Motor Vehicles department responsible for his death. He also alleged that the agent system at MVD offices contributed to corruption.
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