Bengaluru Auto Driver Detained for Slapping Female Student After Ride Cancellation
Bengaluru, India: Bengaluru police have detained R. Muthuraj, a 46-year-old auto driver after he verbally abused and slapped a female student on Magadi Road. The incident happened when the student decided to cancel her ride with Muthuraj and opt for another auto.
The confrontation, captured on video by the student, shows Muthuraj shouting at her and physically assaulting her. In the viral footage, the student, already seated in a different auto, is seen trying to explain her decision as Muthuraj aggressively questions her choice and demands compensation for his fuel costs. When the student threatens to report him to the police, Muthuraj challenges her and subsequently slaps her after she mentions recording his auto number and phone details.
The student and her friend had booked two autos via Ola during peak hours. Muthuraj’s auto arrived first, leading to the cancellation of the other ride. Infuriated by the cancellation, Muthuraj followed them and began verbally assaulting them. As the student recorded the altercation, Muthuraj’s aggression escalated, culminating in the physical assault in front of bystanders and the other auto driver.
After the video went viral, the student tagged Ola on social media, demanding urgent action. Ola has responded, promising to investigate the "alarming" incident. Additional Director General of Police Traffic and Road Safety, Alok Kumar, condemned Muthuraj’s behavior and pledged appropriate action, emphasizing that such incidents tarnish the reputation of the auto driver community.
