Coimbatore Auto Driver Held for Allegedly Threatening Shopkeeper Over Festival Donation

Coimbatore: A 35-year-old auto driver was arrested by Sundarapuram police for allegedly threatening a shopkeeper and demanding money in the name of Vinayagar Chaturthi celebrations in Coimbatore.

According to the complaint, Mansoor Ali (45) of Kottaipudur in Ukkadam operates a bag and vehicle seat-cover shop near the Kamaraj Nagar bus stop on Sundarapuram–Madukkarai Main Road.

On the night of August 29, while Mansoor Ali was at his shop, Udayasuriyan (35) of Muniyappan Temple Street in SIDCO, Sundarapuram, who works as an auto driver at a nearby auto stand, allegedly came to the shop and demanded money for Vinayagar Chaturthi.

When Mansoor Ali reportedly told him that he would give the money later, Udayasuriyan allegedly became angry, used abusive language and threatened him.

A chicken shop owner, Sheikh Mohamed, and his brother Nisar, who were nearby, reportedly intervened and questioned his actions. The accused allegedly threatened them with dire consequences as well.

Fearing further trouble, Mansoor Ali allegedly handed over ₹500 from to Udayasuriyan. After taking the money, the accused allegedly told him to keep ₹2,000 ready when he returned in the evening and threatened to force him to vacate the shop if the money was not given.

Based on the complaint, Sundarapuram police registered a case, arrested Udayasuriyan and remanded him in judicial custody.