Bengaluru: Police Tuesday made background check compulsory for cab drivers to ensure safety and security of citizens, especially women using taxi service for commuting across the city, a top official said.

“We have directed all taxi operators in the city to do a thorough background check of drivers employed with them and not to employ any drivers without verifying their service record with us,” Bengaluru police commissioner M N Reddi told reporters here.

The decision was taken at a meeting state transport commissioner Ramegowda had with senior police officials, cab operators and taxi unions here in the wake of an alleged rape of an woman executive by a cab driver in Delhi December 5.

“Cab operators and taxi owners will be liable if they are found employing drivers without background check,” Reddi said.

“They must submit a list of their drivers (employed) to the jurisdictional police stations with a copy of their (drivers’) profile, including details of driving licence, temporary and permanent residential address, educational qualification, mobile number and a health certificate to ensure their professional conduct.”

Reddi told cab operators and taxi owners that their permit would be suspended by the transport department if customers lodge serious complaints against drivers of misbehaving, rash driving, using foul language or acts of criminal misconduct.

Meanwhile, Ramegowda instructed officials of the regional transport offices (RTO) across the city to conduct regular checks on cab drivers and suspend their licences if they do not carry the requisite documents, including insurance cover and registration certificate.