Team Goemkarponn
VASCO: The South Goa Taxi Association filed a complaint at Vasco Police Station against social media influencer Rupali Dixit, alleging that a video posted by her on Instagram has defamed local taxi operators by branding them as a “taxi mafia” and accusing them of overcharging passengers.
According to the complaint, the issue stems from a trip undertaken around two months ago, when Rupali Dixit hired a tourist taxi — a Maruti Ertiga (GA-06-T-5940) — from Dabolim Airport to Malvan, Maharashtra. The taxi operator reportedly charged Rs 5,500 for the late-night journey, an amount the association claims is lower than the rate prescribed under the government gazette for such trips.
Taxi operators stated that despite this, Dixit recently posted a video on her social media platforms tagging “Taxi Driver Mafia in Goa” and alleging that customers are being charged excessively. The association has termed these claims as “false and misleading,” stating that such content is harming the reputation and livelihood of taxi drivers in the state.
In the complaint submitted to the Police Inspector of Vasco Police Station, association members said the video has triggered negative perceptions among tourists and the general public. They added that many local taxi operators belong to families engaged in the profession for generations and depend entirely on this business for their income.
“The allegations made in the video are incorrect and have unfairly tarnished the image of Goan taxi operators. In this case, the fare charged was actually below the official rate, yet it has been portrayed as overcharging,” a representative of the association stated.
The association has urged police authorities to look into the matter and take appropriate action against Rupali Dixit for allegedly spreading misinformation on social media.
They have also appealed to tourists and influencers to verify facts before posting content online, warning that unverified and sensational claims could adversely affect the traditional taxi industry in Goa.
Police are expected to examine the complaint and the video content as part of further inquiry.
