In a worrying incident that has raised concerns about the safety of women in broad daylight, a Hello Car driver in Bangalore He allegedly slapped a woman named Niti during a heated argument after she cancelled her ride with him and got into another car.
Niti shared her harrowing experience on X (formerly Twitter), where she expressed her frustration over Ola’s lack of response to the incident.
“Yesterday in Bangalore, my friend and I booked two cars from Ola due to rush hour. I arrived first so she cancelled hers. The other auto driver followed us, furious. Despite explaining the situation to him, he started shouting and swearing at us,” Niti said.
Yesterday I was severely harassed and physically assaulted by their car driver in Bangalore after a simple trip cancellation. Despite reporting it, their customer service has not responded. Immediate action needs to be taken! @olacabs @ola_supports @BlrCityPolice image.twitter.com/iTkXFKDMS7
— Ni (@nihihiti) September 4, 2024
The confrontation escalated further when the driver began verbally harassing Niti, questioning whether the car “belonged to her father” and making derogatory comments.
“I started recording which further implicated him. When I told him to report it, he challenged me, showing no fear of the consequences,” she said.
According to Niti, the situation turned violent when the driver tried to take the phone from her. “I resisted and he slapped me in front of the driver of the car, who did nothing, and the passersby who stood by. He continued threatening me and said he would also hit me with his slippers,” Niti said.
“Luckily, my driver managed to get us out of there, but the response from Ola has been disappointing. After reporting the incident through the app, we only received an automated response. Attempts to contact their support line failed, leaving us frustrated and helpless,” he added.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Niti explained that her only mistake was booking two cars to ensure her friend didn’t miss a class.
“In Bangalore, autos often cancel rides or demand extra money. The argument could have been tolerated, but the driver’s threats and aggression crossed the line,” Niti said, adding that she had never felt so unsafe in the city before.
Watch the full video
Reaction of Internet users
Since it was posted, the video has garnered over 160,000 views and counting.
As the video went viral, Ola condemned the driver’s actions and assured the public that appropriate action would be taken to address the complaint and ensure the safety of passengers.
“This sounds quite alarming, Niti. Don’t worry, we are here to help you with this. Please provide us with the CRN and your registered email address via direct message so we can investigate this further,” the company responded.
This sounds pretty alarming, Niti. Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Send us a direct message with the CRN and your registered email address so we can investigate this further. https://t.co/6DHSELSc7K
— Ola Support (@ola_supports) September 4, 2024
Bengaluru Police also responded and wrote, “Please provide details of the specific area and your contact number via DM.”
Many social media users demanded the driver’s arrest, with one commenting: “How dare he! Cancel his license and put him behind bars.”
“Ride cancellation is a customer’s basic right. Of course, the driver can receive compensation from the platform or the customer depending on the cancellation conditions, but verbal or physical abuse is not acceptable. This auto driver must face legal consequences,” wrote another.
It’s a shame, but not surprising, given my own experience with Bangalore auto drivers. It’s good that you recorded everything, otherwise the bigots might have blamed you.
Wait @BlrCityPolice and @olacabs Take strict measures – let it serve as a lesson to others.—Shubham Shandilya (@ShubhamShandil1) September 5, 2024
Police arrest a car driver
Sharing the update on X, DCP West Bengaluru said that the driver of the car has been arrested by the Magadi Highway Police.
“The Magadi highway police have detained the driver of the car and action is being taken in accordance with the law for the crime committed,” the police said, sharing photographs of the arrested driver.
The Magadi highway police have detained the driver of the car and are initiating proceedings for the offence committed under the law. photo.twitter.com/YpHgql69Xf
— DCP West Bengaluru (@DCPWestBCP) September 5, 2024
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