Bengaluru Auto Driver Arrested After Slapping Woman Over Cancelled Ride
Quick Guide
New Delhi: A 46-year-old Ola auto driver in Bengaluru, identified as R. Muthuraj, was arrested after slapping and verbally abusing a woman for cancelling her ride. The confrontation took place after the woman opted to board a different auto that arrived before his. The driver was detained by Magadi Road Police, and legal action is currently in progress.
How the Incident Unfolded
The altercation occurred when the woman and her friend booked separate auto rides via Ola. One of them cancelled her ride as the other auto showed up first. The woman explained that in Bengaluru, auto cancellations and demands for extra fare are common, and they wanted to ensure her friend made it to class on time.
However, the auto driver, furious over the cancellation, began to hurl abuses at her. The situation escalated when he tried to snatch her phone to stop her from recording the incident. Moments later, he slapped her in front of bystanders and the other auto driver, who did nothing to intervene.
Details From the Viral Video
A video capturing the confrontation has gone viral on social media. It shows the woman repeatedly asking, “Aap chilla kyu rahe ho?” (Why are you shouting?), while the enraged driver angrily responds, “Galti se kaise hota hai cancel?” (How do you cancel by mistake?). He also questioned who would cover his fuel costs, sarcastically asking, “Kya tumhare baap ka petrol hai?” (Does your father pay for gas?).
As tensions heightened, the woman warned the driver that she would report him to the police if he continued shouting. Unfazed, he challenged her to accompany him to the police station. When she mentioned having his phone and auto details, the driver suddenly slapped her.
The Woman’s Account
The woman recounted the shocking incident, stating, “He slapped me in front of my auto driver, who did nothing, and bystanders who remained passive. Despite this, he continued his threats, saying he’d beat me with his slippers too.” She also expressed frustration with Ola’s inadequate response, noting that after reporting the incident through the app, she received only an automated reply. Repeated attempts to contact Ola’s support line failed, leaving her feeling unsafe and helpless.
Police Action and Response
The incident gained widespread attention on social media, prompting DCP West Bengaluru to confirm that R. Muthuraj had been arrested by the Magadi Road Police. The police are initiating legal action for the offence committed.
The woman stressed the need for Ola to take immediate and strict action, adding, “I’ve never felt this unsafe in Bangalore.”
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