Days after the violent clashes at Master Canteen Square, Online Auto Association President Dinabandhu Nayak has broken his silence, issuing a public apology through a 14‑minute video message.
In the video, Nayak expressed deep regret over the incident, saying he was “deeply saddened by the inconvenience and disruption caused to the public.” He offered an unconditional apology and clarified that no political motive was behind the protest.
Nayak defended the drivers’ agitation, stating that they had resorted to protest only because their demands remained unfulfilled.
Police have so far arrested 113 people and seized 354 vehicles in connection with the violence. Seven FIRs have been registered at Kharavel Nagar Police Station, and the Transport Department has issued show‑cause notices to vehicle owners, asking why their permits and RCs should not be cancelled.
Meanwhile, Nayak has been absconding since the incident, and police are conducting raids at multiple locations to trace him.
The apology marks the first public statement from the association since the Master Canteen unrest, which disrupted traffic and triggered widespread concern over law and order in the capital.
