26-Year-Old Bengaluru Auto Driver Detained For Abusing, Threatening Female Passenger

An auto driver has been detained for verbally and physically threatening a female passenger. This action came after a video of the confrontation went viral on social media, prompting immediate police response. The driver, identified as 26-year-old Santosh Kumar from Bilekahalli, allegedly demanded an exorbitant fare from the woman, who had just arrived from Chennai and was looking for a ride to her destination.

According to reports, the woman initially agreed to pay Rs 270 for the journey, which aligned with app-based cab rates. However, complications arose when she was transferred to another autorickshaw driver under the guise of driver camaraderie. This second driver opted to use the meter instead and subsequently demanded one and a half times the agreed fare after the meter inaccurately displayed a distance of 26 km, sparking a heated dispute. As tensions escalated and the driver's threats intensified, the quick-thinking passenger recorded the ordeal on her phone.

The Mico Layout police acted swiftly against Kumar, despite the victim's reluctance to file charges. Their investigation led to the seizure of the autorickshaw, and they have requested the Regional Transport Office (RTO) to revoke Kumar's permit on charges of public nuisance and abuse. The incident highlights the authorities' commitment to addressing such violations and ensuring the safety of passengers in the city.

In a separate but equally alarming event on the night of September 30, a man wearing a black shirt exhibited threatening behavior towards a woman driving alone near the Marathahalli bridge. The man blocked her car on the service road, made unsettling gestures, and even pretended to break her window. Fortunately, the woman managed to escape unharmed and recorded the man's actions on video.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Whitefield) Shivakumar Gunare expressed determination to locate the man involved in the second incident. Despite the woman's decision not to file a complaint, the police are proceeding suo motu to address this intimidating behavior. The incidents, which have gained significant attention on social media, have prompted a strong response from the Bengaluru police, emphasizing their resolve to protect the community from such threats and misconduct.