Shocking! Rapido rider slaps passenger in viral video--Here's what happened

In recent years, app-based bike taxi services have become a popular mode of transport in many Indian cities, providing quick and affordable rides for commuters. However, concerns about safety, regulation, and rider behaviour have also come along with it.

While these services look convenient, they sometimes face scrutiny over incidents involving drivers and passengers, raising questions about security and responsibility.One such incident that went viral involved a heated confrontation between a bike taxi rider and a woman passenger in Bengaluru’s Jayanagar area.

What exactly happened?

A video of a Rapido bike taxi rider slapping a woman passenger in Bengaluru’s Jayanagar went viral recently.

The clip showed the rider striking the woman with enough force to knock her down during a roadside dispute. The woman, reportedly a saleswoman heading to work, had allegedly accused the rider of reckless driving and jumping traffic signals. She got off mid-ride to confront him, which led to a verbal and physical exchange between the two.

Following the video's circulation, the rider was detained, and a police case was registered against him.

New CCTV footage comes into picture

Shortly after the initial outrage, fresh CCTV footage emerged revealing that the woman appeared to have hit the rider first. The footage shows her hitting him repeatedly before he retaliated with a slap. This made the case complex, suggesting that the conflict was not one-sided as initially believed.According to the rider, Suman S, “She hit me twice with a tiffin box, abused me, and grabbed my collar. That’s when I reacted,” he told the New Indian Express.

However, the rider admitted to making a controversial remark, telling the woman to “go back to your country”.

Passenger’s perspective and concerns

The woman maintained that the rider’s reckless driving was the root cause of the conflict. She told the media, “He should not have attacked me. I made the payment and gave the helmet back.” She also responded to the rider’s offensive comment about language and identity by stating, “These Kannadigas have a language issue.

They want us to either learn their language or leave”.

Police response and legal action

Initially the woman was hesitant to file a complaint, but later on being served a notice by police, she filed an FIR under the IPC, including the charges of outraging the modesty of a woman, causing hurt, and provocation leading to breach of peace. The Jayanagar police have begun their investigation, with South Bengaluru DCP Lokesh B Jagalasar stating, “The accused has been questioned.

Action will be taken as per law.

”

Rapido’s customer service response

Rapido, the bike taxi service involved, has not officially commented on the incident. However, the woman claimed that Rapido’s customer service apologized to her and confirmed that the rider had been removed from their platform.

Ban on bike taxis in Karnataka

The controversy comes at a time when the Karnataka High Court has already declared bike taxis illegal in Bengaluru, emphasising public safety and regulatory compliance. Following the High Court’s ruling, the Karnataka government has enforced a ban on two-wheeler taxi services operated by apps like Rapido. Starting Monday, these bike taxis will no longer be allowed to operate within the state.