Calvin Scolt, a Netherland native who visited Kovalam was subjected to an assault by a taxi driver on Friday. The driver, identified as Shajahan (40), was taken into custody by Kovalam police for attacking Calvin. The incident occurred when Calvin and his father, Jacques Leonard, boarded a car owned by their Malayalee friend Syam Prasad near a Kovalam hotel. Shajahan, who arrived at the location, blocked their car with his bike and demanded that Calvin and his father get out, arguing that foreigners should not use private vehicles to travel around Kovalam.

Shajahan then allegedly attacked Syam Prasad and punched Calvin while he tried to resolve the situation. Following a complaint lodged with the Kovalam police, Shajahan was arrested. Meanwhile, Calvin sustained injuries to his head, arm, and lips and received treatment.It's not the first time such an incident has happened, as a foreigner was previously verbally abused by a taxi driver in Kovalam. According to the locals, the drivers are unhappy with tourists opting for private vehicles for transportation in the area.