A Mira Road Sub-Regional Transport Office inspector has alleged that he received a threat call from a person claiming to be from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, warning him against issuing auto-rickshaw permits to the “wrong people”.
The complainant, Prasad Nalawade told Kashigaon police that the call came on Sunday while he was in Bengaluru. He filed a complaint after returning to Mumbai on Monday.
Also read: Protests erupt in Faridabad, Palwal as factory workers demand wage hike
Police have registered a non-cognizable offence and said the probe will be transferred to Bengaluru police.
Senior inspector Rahul Patil also clarified that the caller made no reference to the mandatory Marathi language requirement.
Also read: IMD’s below-normal 2026 monsoon forecast threatens agriculture, economy
According to police, the incident comes amid allegations of bogus documentation being used to secure auto permits in the Mira-Bhayandar area.
Also read: Congress to push for women reservation within existing Lok Sabha seats
Responding to the issue, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has issued a directive to verify permits and ensure autorickshaw drivers possessed proficiency in the Marathi language. However,auto-rickshaw drivers in the city have opposed the mandatory Marathi language requirement and have warned of a strike in protest. Sarnaik has maintained that he will not succumb to threats.