A Rapido driver, providing a popular ride-hailing service, slapped a female passenger in the middle of a busy road after a heated dispute. The sudden violence turned a routine commute into a public spectacle, with shocked onlookers rushing to intervene as the altercation escalated.
Details of the Confrontation
The conflict reportedly started over a disagreement about a detour, with the driver growing agitated when the passenger, a 29-year-old professional, questioned his route choice. Tensions boiled over when he accused her of wasting time, leading to a verbal spat. In a shocking move, the driver stepped out of the vehicle and struck her, leaving her visibly shaken. The incident was recorded by a nearby shopkeeper’s security camera, with footage quickly circulating online, fueling public outrage.
BENGALURU: Rapido bike rider slaps customer as she allegedly questions him over rash driving and jumping signal. Incident occurred on June 14th in Jayanagar area of Bengaluru.
Jayanagar police are looking into the case.
INPUT: @Harishup pic.twitter.com/j8IbpvItT0
— Rahul Shivshankar (@RShivshankar) June 16, 2025
Immediate Response and Investigation
Police reached the scene within minutes, detaining the driver for questioning as the woman received first aid for a bruised cheek. A case has been filed under assault charges, with authorities vowing a swift probe. Rapido issued an apology, suspending the driver pending a detailed review and offering medical and emotional support to the victim. Local residents gathered, expressing dismay over the lack of driver discipline in ride-hailing services.
Rising Concerns and Calls for Action
This incident has sparked a broader conversation about passenger safety in Bengaluru’s growing gig economy. Social media is abuzz with demands for mandatory training on conflict resolution for drivers and stricter vetting processes. Women’s advocacy groups are planning a candlelight vigil tonight at 7:00 PM IST to highlight the need for safer transport options. The video evidence has intensified pressure on Rapido and similar platforms to overhaul their safety protocols.
