Auto-Rickshaw Drivers Harass Bengaluru Uber Driver and Passenger, Prompting Police Response

A clip depicting an incident of intimidation not only towards an Uber rider but also towards the operator whose motorcycle was reserved via the application is circulating widely on social media. Utilizing X (previously Twitter), Thomas Simte posted a video on Thursday revealing local auto-rickshaw drivers in Bengaluru harassing him, grabbing his backpack and requesting he terminate his ride. In the description, he mentioned that the event transpired near Indiranagar Metro station. In the recording, Mr Smite repeatedly questions, “why are you troubling this individual? Let me go, if individuals want to use Uber, they will use Uber; if individuals want to use an auto, they will use an auto; if you wish to go to the police station, it’s right here.” 

Sharing the video on X, he stated, “Getting troubled if we use @Uber_India motorcycles or Auto, as opposed to the regular rickshaw. This occurred to me in Indiranagar Metro station.” 

Have a look below: 

Getting troubled if we use @Uber_India motorcycles or Auto, as opposed to the regular rickshaw. This occurred to me in Indiranagar Metro station @BangaloreMirror@BlrCityPolice@blrcitytraffic@TOIBengaluru@TodayBangalore@THBengaluru@Uber_Support@UberIN_Support@Uber_BLR@tdkarnatakapic.twitter.com/yjhMApEBGq

— Thomas Simte (@Thomasandwords) July 25, 2024

In the video, the Uber motorcycle operator and his traveler are subjected to mistreatment and warnings. The local auto-rickshaw drivers continued to demand he cancel the reservation, while another tried to hit the creator of the video. The clip concluded suddenly when someone struck his camera.

“I am not overstating when I say this occurs daily to these riders. He hauled my bag from behind to force me off the motorcycle. I demand strict action against this intimidation of passengers and of riders if they use Uber or any other method of transportation different from the onlookers,” Mr Smite wrote in the subsequent post. 

As the video gained attention on the micro-blogging site, it caught the notice of Bengaluru City Police. “Please provide your contact number through DM. In case of distress/ emergency situation, dial #Namma 112,” police replied.

“Yes, please I don’t want anyone else to encounter this problem. There was no traffic police in the vicinity of Indiranagar Metro Station. Please ensure more protection for the Uber riders and maintain watchfulness near auto stand areas,” stated Mr Smite. 

Also read | Bengaluru Police Arrest Biker Gang Who Attacked Moving Car On Flyover In Viral Video

Uber India’s official account also responded to the post saying, “This is concerning, Thomas. Such behavior is unacceptable, and we prioritize your safety above all else. Kindly send your registered Uber account contact details along with the trip details through Direct Message, and our safety team will contact you shortly.” 

The occurrence sparked a conversation on social media. “Don’t think anyone is jumping to conclusions. Vdo is available, faces of miscreants are visible. If the police want to take action they do not need to wait for an official complaint or ask the victim to call them. Police just need to find those miscreants and take legal action,” wrote one user. 

“The police pretends that it knows nothing. If action is to be taken on an everyday occurrence at a metro station why ask for contact number?” commented a third. 

“Proper actions should be taken against those auto drivers, who are not even in their uniforms. No motorcycle taxi riders should be harmed until high court orders are finalized.  This is a violation of court orders,” expressed another user. 

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