Bengaluru Ola auto driver, who hurled abuses at a woman, slapped her and tried to snatch her phone after she cancelled a ride with him, was arrested by Magadi Road police on Thursday. The driver, R Muthuraj, faces charges under Sections 74 and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and will spend four days in jail before he can apply for bail. Not only that, the 46-year-old is also expected to pay at least Rs 30,000 in legal fees, as per a report by The Economic Times.
A senior police officer stated that the driver’s actions were unacceptable and that the court was taking the matter seriously. “This was a rogue act. The accused verbally abused and physically assaulted a young woman in broad daylight, all because she cancelled a ride. Such behaviour is unacceptable, and we decided to bring him before the court to demonstrate the gravity of the offence. His transfer to judicial custody shows the court is taking the matter seriously,” the outlet quoted a senior police officer as saying.
The outlet further quoted an investigating officer who explained that the driver associated with the ride-hailing app Ola will spend four days in jail: “He’ll have to wait until Monday to apply for bail, and even if it’s granted, the paperwork won’t be completed until Tuesday or Wednesday.”
As per reports, the driver admitted getting furious but was unable to justify his actions. In addition to facing jail time and legal expenses, the driver’s driving license and permit will be suspended.
It all started when a Bengaluru woman and her friend booked separate rides for the same destination. One of them cancelled her ride as the other auto arrived first. The woman explained that they booked two autos to make sure that her friend didn’t miss her class, noting that “in Bangaluru, autos often cancel rides or demand extra money”.
The auto driver, who was a minute away from the location, became furious about the cancellation and followed the woman. “Despite explaining the situation, he started shouting and hurling abuses,” the woman recalled.
“He slapped me in front of my auto driver, who did nothing, and bystanders who remained passive. Despite this, he continued his threats, saying he’d beat me with his slippers too,” the woman recounted.
She also voiced her frustration with Ola, stating, “Thankfully, my driver managed to get us away, but Ola’s response has been disappointing. After reporting the incident via the app, we received only an automated reply. Attempts to reach their support line failed, leaving us frustrated and helpless.”
“I’ve never felt this unsafe in Bangalore. Ola must take immediate and strict action,” she further said.
After the post gained traction on social media, DCP West Bengaluru said, “The auto driver has been apprehended by Magadi Road Police. Action is being initiated for the offence committed as per law.”
