Bengaluru: Passengers Harassed By Rickshaw Drivers For Choosing App-Based Rides, Viral Video Claims

In Bengaluru, a video of passengers using app-based rides allegedly being harassed by local rickshaw drivers has gone viral. The video, which has gained significant traction, prompted a response from the Bengaluru Police.

Bengaluru News: In a shocking incident, a video circulating on social media from Karnataka's Bengaluru shows passengers opting for app-based rides being harassed by local rickshaw drivers. The video, recorded and shared by X user Thomas Simte, captures him being allegedly harassed by local rickshaw drivers, who he alleged demanded that he cancel his ride.

Simte is heard questioning the aggressors, “Why are you harassing this person? Let me go. If people want to take an Uber, they will take Uber; if people want to take an auto, they will take auto; if you want to go to the police station, it’s right here.”

Simte took to Twitter to share his experience, writing, “Getting harassed if we take @Uber_India bikes or Auto, instead of the regular rickshaw. This happened to me at Indiranagar Metro station @BangaloreMirror @BlrCityPolice @blrcitytraffic @TOIBengaluru @TodayBangalore @THBengaluru @Uber_Support @UberIN_Support @Uber_BLR @tdkarnataka.”

He further added, "I am not exaggerating when I say this happens every day to these riders. He pulled my bag from behind to get me down the bike. I want strict action against this harassment of passengers and riders if they take Uber or any other mode of transport other than the bystanders."

"Please I request there should be more traffic police near Indiranagar metro station. Autowalas are acting like boss of the streets, as I mentioned in the video passengers will take any mode of transportation of their choice. Why are they harassing," he further stated.

Bengaluru Viral Video: Uber Bike Driver & His Passenger Faced Racial Abuse & Threats

According to a report by Indian Express, an Uber bike driver and his passenger facing racial abuse and threats. The passenger, who had booked the ride through the Uber app, found himself and the driver being targeted by individuals hurling slurs and intimidating them. A local auto rickshaw driver repeatedly insisted that the passenger cancel the booking, while another seemed to lurch forward to physically harm Simte. The video ends abruptly when someone smacks the camera.

The video, which has gained significant traction, prompted a response from the Bengaluru City Police. From their official Twitter account, they replied, “Please share your contact number via DM. In case of distress/emergency situation, dial #Namma 112.”

Simte responded, “Yes, please. I don’t want anyone else to face this issue. There was no traffic police nearby Indiranagar Metro Station. Please ensure more safety for Uber riders and keep vigilance near auto stand areas.”

Indiranagar Police's X handle asked him to visit the area's police station and submit the complaint or contact the official mobile number.

Uber India’s official handle also responded, stating, “We understand such issues are never pleasant to deal with. Rest assured, we’ve made a note of your feedback which will help us take necessary actions and improve your future experience and truly appreciate you taking the time to give us your feedback.”

The incident has sparked outrage among social media users, calling for stricter actions against such harassment to ensure the safety and freedom of passengers choosing app-based rides over traditional rickshaws.