Bengaluru auto driver Faces Backlash After Alleged Assault: "Ola and uber Have Banned Me"

R Muthuraj, an auto driver in Bengaluru, was recently arrested for allegedly slapping a woman and using abusive language. After his release from jail on Wednesday, Muthuraj admitted to snatching the woman’s phone and using offensive language, though he did not address the allegation of physical assault. He expressed regret for his actions and promised not to repeat them.

In an interview with local YouTube channel auto Ratha Saradhi, Muthuraj recounted the events leading up to the incident. He explained that after accepting a ride to Shanti Nagar, he was forced to wait longer than expected when the woman delayed her arrival. Frustrated by the cancellation of his ride after he had traveled seven kilometers, Muthuraj confronted the woman. The viral video of the incident shows him demanding to know who would cover his fuel costs and asking the woman to accompany him to the police station.

Muthuraj claimed that he received threatening calls following the incident and revealed that ola and uber had banned him from their platforms. He noted that he had previously maintained high ratings from customers and expressed gratitude to those who helped him financially after his arrest.

Background of the Incident

The altercation began when a Bengaluru woman and her friend booked two separate autos to ensure they wouldn't miss their class. One ride was canceled when the other arrived first. The woman cited frequent auto cancellations and fare disputes in Bengaluru as the reason for the double booking.

According to her, Muthuraj, who was enraged by the cancellation, followed them and began shouting. He attempted to snatch her phone to prevent her from recording and demanded they accompany him to the police station. The woman alleged that Muthuraj slapped her when she asked repeatedly why he had done so. The video of the incident, which went viral, led to widespread calls for his arrest and the suspension of his driving license.

Public Reaction and Response

The viral video depicts Muthuraj shouting at the woman, questioning why she canceled the ride, and demanding compensation for fuel. The woman’s attempts to resolve the situation peacefully were met with escalating aggression from the driver.

The woman also criticized ola for its inadequate response after she reported the incident. Despite her attempts to contact their support line, she received only automated replies, which left her feeling frustrated and unsafe.

In response to the incident, DCP West Bengaluru confirmed that Muthuraj had been apprehended and legal action was underway. Muthuraj was charged under Sections 74 and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and spent several days in jail before securing bail. raghu Narayana Gowda, president of the Peace auto & Cab drivers Association, helped raise funds for Muthuraj’s bail and planned to appeal to RTO officials and ride-hailing companies to reconsider their decision to ban him.
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Balasahana Suresh

17/09/2024 04:28 PM