Caught on Camera: Bengaluru Rapido Driver Slaps Woman In Jayanagar, Claims She Hit Him First

A woman was allegedly assaulted by a Rapido bike taxi driver near a footwear showroom in Bengaluru's Jayanagar locality three days ago. The altercation reportedly began after the woman confronted the driver for rash driving.

According to police reports, the confrontation escalated into a heated argument, during which the driver allegedly physically assaulted the woman. While the victim was initially hesitant to approach authorities, police said she was eventually persuaded to file a complaint. The video, presumably recorded by a passerby, shows the Rapido driver slapping the woman with such force that she falls to the ground. Several bystanders can be seen surrounding them, watching the scene unfold.

An NCR (Non-Cognizable Report) has been registered in the case. However, after a video related to the incident began circulating online, officials said they are considering converting the NCR into an FIR.

The Jayanagar Police Station, under whose jurisdiction the area falls, is conducting a detailed investigation into the matter.

The accused Rapido driver, identified as Suhas, later claimed that the woman hit him first. "She was speaking rudely from the beginning. I took a shortcut through Jayanagar to save her time, but she kept questioning me and asked what I had studied and whether I knew how to drive," he said. According to Suhas, a car suddenly blocked their way, and he stopped about 100 metres from the woman's office. When she demanded an explanation and the fare amount, he responded that it was Rs 77. "She raised her voice and hit me with a tiffin box. I held my patience as much as I could," he claimed, adding, "I know we shouldn't hit women. But after she hit me twice and shouted, I hit her once."

Suhas admitted to telling her to "go back to your state," clarifying he knew little English. He also said he tried to report the incident to the store manager at the location but couldn't find them. "I explained to whoever was there that she raised her hand at me first," he said.