Rapido Bike Taxi Incident in Bengaluru: Increasing Tensions Over Alleged Assault
A troubling incident involving a Rapido bike taxi driver and a female passenger in Jayanagar, Bengaluru, has sparked significant public backlash after footage of the altercation circulated widely on social media platforms. The woman, who is reportedly working at a jewellery establishment, confronted the driver regarding dangerous driving and opted to exit the bike midway through the journey. The confrontation escalated swiftly, resulting in a physical clash that was recorded.
Language Barrier Fuels the Conflict
The issue intensified as a communication gap emerged: the woman spoke in English, while the driver, identified as Suman S, communicated solely in Kannada. Tensions surged when the woman allegedly refused to pay her fare and return the helmet. According to police reports, she was the first to strike Suman, which incited him to hit her back, causing her to fall on the ground.
Onlookers Remain Passive
Despite the incident occurring in a public location, witnesses did not intervene. The viral footage depicts both individuals appealing to bystanders, yet no one attempted to resolve the escalating situation.
In light of the incident, a CCTV recording has surfaced, corroborating the rider’s assertion that the woman struck him first. The video, timestamped at 9:38 am, shows her hitting him multiple times. Following this, Suman dismounted his bike and continued to argue with her, during which she was observed striking him once again.
Legal Ramifications for the Taxi Driver
Suman has been taken into custody, and a police complaint has been initiated against him. The FIR lists charges under Sections 115(2) (attempt to cause harm), 352 (assault or application of criminal force), and 79 (using obscene language in a public area) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). His vehicle registration number is KA-05-KJ-2897.
Driver’s Perspective on the Incident
Suman stated that the situation deteriorated after the passenger insisted on an unsafe stop. He expressed, “She insisted that I stop in the middle of the road. I told her that stopping there could lead to us being rear-ended.”
Furthermore, Suman acknowledged making a xenophobic comment, urging the woman to “return to your country.” He claimed that she verbally abused him and even tugged at his collar. “She questioned my education and continued to be disrespectful. When I raised the issue of payment, she persisted with her insults. She struck me twice with a lunchbox, prompting me to retaliate,” he added.
Complaint Filed Following Video Release
Initially hesitant to file a report, the woman eventually reached out to the Jayanagar Police Station after the video gained traction, spurred on by her friends. In her report, she accused the driver of reckless driving and physical aggression, asserting that he employed foul language and assaulted her publicly.
Impact on Bike Taxi Services in Karnataka
This incident emerges amid a critical juncture for bike taxi operations in Karnataka. Just days prior, the Karnataka High Court denied a request to suspend a directive that bans bike taxis. Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy emphasized that utilising privately registered motorcycles for commercial activities is unlawful and highlighted the absence of necessary permits for such services.
In response to the evolving situation, Rapido, a premier platform for bike taxi services, has decided to halt its operations while initiating a new service called ‘Bike Parcel’ to adhere to regulatory standards.
