Bengaluru auto driver allegedly threatens, harrases students upon denial to pay extra fare

In a recent incident, a 20-year-old student interning in Bengaluru was allegedly threatened and harassed by an auto driver for refusing to pay him extra fare than what was allotted in the app.

In a post on X, the boy tagging the travel app Namma Yatri wrote, “Got harassed and threatened by a Bengaluru auto driver. He has told me that he will beat me up outside my office whenever I go. And said racial slurs. He was asking for 200rs extra out of nowhere. Just a 20 year college student returning back from my internship @nammayatri.”

Further in a follow-up post he said, “Had to pay him 500rs (400cash + 100upi) instead of 380rs(as shown on app) so he leaves me and my friend alone as he called two of his drunk friends who were going to beat us. Continuously calling us slurs. “

In the video shared by the student on X, the auto driver is seen demanding an additional ₹ 200 over the app's allotted fare of ₹ 380 for the journey from Bellandur to his PG accommodation in Mallasandra.

This further turns into an argument between the auto driver and a couple of other PG mates who came to support the boy.

The Bengaluru Police also commented on the post and reached out to the student requesting him to share details of the auto driver to ensure proper action can be taken.

Later, the travel app Namma Yatri also reached out to him and wrote on X saying, Hi there. We deeply regret the experience you went through. Situations like this are unacceptable. Your safety and comfort are paramount to us, and we’ll continue working to ensure incidents like this don’t occur. Please DM us for any assistance.”

They also mentioned that their team has reached out to the student and will ensure that the matter is handled with utmost priority. Namma Yatri further commenting on the post said that they have ensured that the driver is blocked from their platform and also promised a full refund of the trip amount to the boy.

Several users have shown their outrage on social media over the particular incident and many have called for stricter actions to ensure safety of the passengers.

A user sharing his personal experience writes, “Happened to me too. If ride extends beyond 10pm, auto walas will force you to pay 50% more. When I refused, he went ballistic. Finally went with him to kormangala police station where police instead of helping me asked me to pay him the money. Had to do.”

Concerned over passenger safety, another said, “In such situations don't hesitate to call the police immediately.”