In a remarkable turn of events, Rakesh Kumar Soni, an autorickshaw driver who was allegedly harassed by a traffic police personnel in December, was invited as a special guest to the Republic Day function in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday.
Soni, 49, from Hanumant Vihar, received the invitation from Kanpur District Magistrate Jitendra Pratap Singh following a public hearing where he recounted his disturbing experience with the police. Soni had shared details of the incident with the district magistrate just days before the Republic Day event.
The incident occurred on December 30, when Soni’s autorickshaw got stuck in traffic near Naubasta while he was en route to Baradevi. According to Soni, as he attempted to manoeuvre his vehicle, Ishwar Singh, the traffic sector in-charge, allegedly attacked the autorickshaw with a stick, tore its curtain, and verbally abused him. Soni further claimed that Singh tried to force a plastic baton into his mouth.
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Soni lodged a complaint with the traffic control room, but no action was taken. In a desperate appeal, he reached out to the then-district magistrate, Rakesh Kumar Singh, asking for permission to end his life at the Gandhi statue on Republic Day, citing the severe mistreatment he had suffered.
An inquiry was initiated by Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Archna Singh, but no formal action was taken before the transfer of the previous district magistrate.
Upon assuming office, Jitendra Pratap Singh listened to Soni’s account and expressed strong disapproval of the treatment Soni received. He deemed such behavior towards any citizen as unacceptable and decided to invite Soni to the Republic Day function as a gesture of support.
Soni received his formal invitation to attend the event on Saturday, marking a significant resolution to his ordeal. This act of inclusivity and justice was seen as a positive step in ensuring that citizens’ grievances are taken seriously and addressed in a timely manner.
The Republic Day function held special significance this year for Soni, not only as a day to celebrate the nation’s achievements but also as a moment of personal recognition after months of struggle.
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