In a disturbing incident that has sparked outrage across Bengaluru, an Auto Driver Arrested for Assault After Ride Cancellation, identified as R. Muthuraj was detained by the Magadi Road Police after he verbally abused and physically assaulted a woman who had canceled her ride. The altercation, which was recorded on video and subsequently went viral on social media, has prompted legal action and a critical response from both the public and Ola, the ride-hailing service involved.
The incident unfolded when a woman and her friend separately booked auto rickshaws through the Ola app to travel to the same destination. The woman, hoping to ensure that her friend would not miss an important class, made the decision to cancel her ride once her friend’s auto arrived first. This decision was driven by concerns over frequent cancellations and additional charges typically encountered in Bangalore’s auto rickshaw services.
Upon learning of the cancellation—despite the auto being only a minute away—the driver, 46-year-old R. Muthuraj, reportedly erupted in anger. He verbally berated the woman and attempted to forcibly seize her phone to prevent her from documenting the confrontation. As the situation escalated, Muthuraj slapped the woman, an act captured in the now widely circulated video.
The footage reveals a tense exchange in which the woman questions the driver’s aggressive behavior. Muthuraj, frustrated by the cancellation, argued about potential fuel costs and suggested that the woman’s father should bear the expense. Despite the woman’s attempts to defuse the situation by threatening to report him to the police, Muthuraj’s behavior grew more erratic. He even suggested they go to the police station together, only to slap the woman when she proposed visiting a different police station and showed her intention to report him with his phone and auto details in hand.
Witnesses at the scene, including the woman’s own driver and bystanders, largely remained passive, failing to intervene or offer assistance. The woman expressed profound disappointment in this lack of support, highlighting a broader issue of public apathy in similar situations.
Following the attack, the woman sought assistance from Ola, the platform through which the ride was booked. However, her efforts to get a satisfactory response were met with an automated reply and unresponsive customer support, amplifying her frustration and sense of helplessness. She criticized Ola for its inadequate handling of the situation and called for the company to take immediate and stringent action against Muthuraj.
The video’s rapid dissemination on social media drew widespread condemnation and led to a swift response from local authorities. The Deputy Commissioner of Police for West Bengaluru confirmed that Muthuraj had been apprehended by the Magadi Road Police. Legal proceedings are now underway against him, ensuring that the incident
This case has stirred a significant public debate about the safety and conduct of auto drivers in Bengaluru. Many citizens have expressed concern over the broader implications of the incident, questioning the effectiveness of regulatory measures and the accountability of ride-hailing services like Ola in protecting their customers.
The woman, who has previously never felt unsafe in Bangalore, has called for a more robust response from Ola to prevent similar occurrences in the future. She has also urged the local authorities to enforce stricter measures to ensure the safety and security of passengers using auto-rickshaw services in the city.
As the legal process unfolds, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by urban commuters and the critical need for effective systems to address grievances and ensure safety. The attention and action from both the public and the authorities highlight a collective demand for better protection and accountability in the face of such disturbing incidents.
