Bengaluru Police Arrest Ola Auto Driver Who Slapped, Abused Woman For Cancelling Ride

Bengaluru police have detained auto driver R Muthuraj for verbally abusing and slapping a woman after she cancelled her ride and opted for another auto to reach her destination. The 46-year-old Ola auto driver was apprehended by the Magadi Road Police, with legal action underway.

How did it all begin?

It all started when a woman and her friend booked separate autos through Ola. One of them cancelled her ride as the other auto arrived first. The woman explained that they booked two autos to make sure that her friend didn’t miss her class, noting that “in Bangalore, autos often cancel rides or demand extra money”.

Read| ‘Does Your Father Pay For Gas?’ Bengaluru Auto Driver Slaps Woman After She Cancels Ola Ride, Internet Calls For His Arrest

Since the woman cancelled the auto which was a minute away from her location, the driver got furious and started hurling abuses at her. He even tried snatching her phone to prevent her from recording the confrontation and later slapped her. A video of the incident has since gone viral on social media.

What does the viral video show?

The now-viral video opens to show the woman repeatedly asking, “Aap chilla kyu rahe ho [Why are you shouting]?” as the angry auto driver argues, “Galti se kaise hota hai cancel [How do you cancel by mistake]?” He also questions her about who will cover the fuel costs, stating, “Does your father pay for gas?”

As the tension grows, the woman warns the driver that she will report him to the police if he doesn’t calm down. Undeterred, the driver urges her to accompany him to the police station, repeatedly insisting they go together.

When the woman suggests heading to a different police station and mentions she already has his phone and auto details, the driver suddenly slaps her.

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“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,” the woman recounted.

She also voiced her frustration with Ola, stating, “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.”

“I’ve never felt this unsafe in Bangalore. Ola must take immediate and strict action,” she further said.

Take a look at the videos here:

After the post gained traction on social media, DCP West Bengaluru said, “The auto driver has been apprehended by Magadi Road Police. Action is being initiated for the offence committed as per law.”