A recent Instagram video posted by a woman from Mumbai has ignited significant alarm regarding the safety and atmosphere of Munnar, Kerala’s renowned hill station. The tourist detailed a distressing experience, alleging mistreatment by local taxi drivers during her visit.
The three-minute video features Janvi, an assistant professor, recounting how her trip to Munnar on October 30 turned sour. She claims that after using online ride-hailing services for her travels to Kochi and Alappuzha, she encountered trouble upon arriving in Munnar. A group of local taxi drivers reportedly blocked her vehicle, asserting that online taxis are prohibited in the area.
Even more concerning, Janvi stated that when she sought help from police officers, they allegedly sided with the local taxi drivers, refusing her assistance and insisting she hire a local cab for her commutes within Munnar.
“I felt incredibly unsafe,” Janvi expressed in the video, adding, “I will never visit Kerala again. My experience was profoundly traumatic.” Her powerful statement has resonated widely, sparking a wave of concern across social media.
In response to the viral video, Munnar police have proactively registered a case. Idukki District Police Chief K.M. Sabu Mathew swiftly suspended two police officers from the Munnar station, Assistant Sub-Inspector Saju Paulose and Grade SI George Kurian, for their failure to provide timely support to the distressed tourist.
Official Response and Community Concern
Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Mathew confirmed that further departmental action would be initiated against the suspended personnel following a report from the Munnar Deputy Superintendent of Police. He also assured the public that “strict action will be taken against the taxi drivers who threatened the woman tourist.”
The incident has also drawn sharp criticism from within the tourism community. G. Sojan, coordinator of the ‘My Munnar Movement,’ an initiative dedicated to boosting the hill station’s tourism, voiced deep concern. He lamented that the commendable efforts of tourism stakeholders to foster a positive environment in Munnar were being undermined by the irresponsible actions of a few taxi drivers. “Such incidents must be met with stringent measures. Tourism is the lifeblood for thousands of people in Munnar,” Mr. Sojan emphasized.