In Thane district of Maharashtra, a seemingly trivial dispute over a fare of just 40 rupees escalated into a serious incident that left a 62-year-old woman hospitalized with a broken arm. The altercation occurred when the auto-rickshaw driver initially quoted a fare of 120 rupees for a journey, which the woman's family accepted. However, upon reaching their destination, the driver suddenly demanded 160 rupees, leading to an argument. Despite the family offering additional money to de-escalate the situation, the driver became verbally aggressive and accused the passengers of providing incorrect distance information.

As the argument intensified, Riza Joseph's tenant's son attempted to intervene, but the auto driver turned violent, initiating a physical confrontation. Riza Joseph attempted to mediate and calm the situation, but in the process, she was pushed to the ground, resulting in a fractured arm. This incident has sparked renewed concerns about passenger safety in public transport, especially regarding the conduct of auto-rickshaw drivers in Thane and similar urban areas.

The incident occurred in Dombivli, a locality in Thane where many families rely on auto-rickshaws for their daily commute. The police have reported the case and investigations are underway to address the issues of safety and accountability for drivers in the public transport sector. This event highlights the ongoing need for better regulatory measures and enforcement to protect passengers from such aggressive behavior and ensure fair treatment in taxi and auto services.