A Lautoka taxi driver is alleged to have been punched, dragged out of his taxi, kicked viciously and left unconscious by five young men –  all this in broad daylight in a densely populated settlement on Thursday.

In the process, Kamal Deo, 50, of Bruce Street, Tavakubu, said he lost $700 cash, four teeth, can hardly walk with soreness to his stomach, sides and back and is on a liquid diet for two weeks because of the injuries to his mouth.

Mr Deo has now asked the Police and Land Transport Authority why taxi drivers should provide a 24 hour service when they are being beaten up during the day?

The incident began around 12.30pm when Mr Deo picked a passenger from a supermarket who asked to be dropped off at Tomuka.

“During the journey, he kept getting calls where someone kept asking where he was,” Mr Deo said.

“I then asked him who was calling him and he said his wife was in hospital and wanted to know where he was.”

Mr Deo said he drove into the road near the Tomuka bus stop and then turned left into another road with houses on both sides.

“The passenger got out, paid his fare and gave his change but soon after someone outside my door asked to hire the taxi and when I turned I was punched on the mouth,” Mr Deo said.

“I was then dragged outside my car and kicked until I lost consciousness.

“I only woke up after the ladies from nearby houses poured water on my face.

“The ladies told me they yelled at the men who fled in a waiting car.”

Mr Deo was taken to hospital by Police who arrived shortly afterwards and is at home now.

Police West spokesperson Wame Bautolu said no arrests had been made and investigations were continuing.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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