Woman slapped, abused by autorickshaw driver for cancelling ride on app

BENGALURU: An autorickshaw driver allegedly slapped a woman and threatened her in foul language after a ride was cancelled on a ride hailing app. The incident occurred on Tuesday and the victim’s video went viral on X, but it was not known where the altercation took place.

In a series of posts on X, the victim Niti (@nihihiti) wrote, “Yesterday I faced severe harassment and was physically assaulted by your auto driver in Bangalore after a simple ride cancellation. Despite reporting, your customer support has been unresponsive. Immediate action is needed! @Olacabs @ola_supports @BlrCityPolice”.

“Yesterday in Bangalore, my friend & I booked two autos on Ola due to peak hours. I arrived first, so she canceled hers. The other auto driver followed us, furious. Despite explaining the situation, he started shouting and hurling abuses”, she wrote.

Yesterday I faced severe harassment and was physically assaulted by your auto driver in Bangalore after a simple ride cancellation. Despite reporting, your customer support has been unresponsive. Immediate action is needed! @Olacabs @ola_supports @BlrCityPolice pic.twitter.com/iTkXFKDMS7

— Niti (@nihihiti) September 4, 2024

“The driver went on to verbally assault us, questioning whether the auto belonged to my father and making derogatory comments. I began recording, which enraged him further. When I mentioned reporting him, he challenged me, showing no fear of consequences”, she wrote.

“Things escalated when he tried to snatch my phone. I resisted, and 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”, Niti wrote.

“Thankfully, my driver managed to get us away, but Ola’s response has been disappointing. After reporting the incident via the app, we received only an automated reply. Attempts to reach their support line failed, leaving us frustrated and helpless”, she further said.

“Our only fault was booking two autos to ensure my friend didn’t miss her class. In Bangalore, autos often cancel rides or demand extra money. The argument could have been tolerated, but the driver’s threats and assault crossed a line”, she noted.

“I’ve never felt this unsafe in Bangalore. Ola must take immediate and strict action. I’ll be attaching videos and the receipt of the ride as proof. I also have my auto driver’s number as a witness if needed”, she added.

After many X users posted the videos, ADGP (traffic and road safety) responded to one of the posts saying, “Such behaviour is unacceptable. Few ppl like him give auto drivers community a bad name. Have informed the concerned to take appropriate action action”.