Smart City Auto Union Chief Nabbed in Puri After Master Canteen Violence

Dinabandhu Nayak, president of the Smart City Online Auto Taxi Drivers’ Association, was arrested in Puri after absconding since the violent protest at Bhubaneswar’s Master Canteen Square on 19 August.

His arrest follows a police crackdown that has already led to 114 drivers being jailed.

Police tracked Nayak through CCTV footage and his IP address after he released an apology video.

In the video, Nayak admitted mistakes, denied political backing, and appealed for the release of arrested drivers, offering to take full punishment himself.

Authorities have since demolished the “illegal” online auto stand at Master Canteen and begun cancelling permits of seized autos.

Seven cases have been registered at Kharavelanagar police station.

Meanwhile, commuters continue to face difficulties. Ola, Uber, and other online services remain disrupted, fares have surged by nearly 50%, and offline autos are scarce.

AMA Bus services are overcrowded, while offline autos are charging inflated fares.

The Commissionerate Police’s firm action has sparked widespread debate across Odisha’s political and social circles, with citizens awaiting full restoration of normal transport services.