Bengaluru Auto Driver Who Allegedly Slapped Woman Faces Threats: 'Ola, Uber Banned Me'

Ola auto driver R Muthuraj, who was arrested by Bengaluru police for allegedly slapping a woman and hurling abuses at her, was released from jail on Wednesday. After walking out of jail, Muthuraj admitted to snatching the woman’s phone while she was recording their altercation and to hurling verbal abuse, for which he apologised. He vowed that he would never repeat his actions. However, he didn’t say anything about the accusation of slapping the woman.

In an interview with the local YouTube channel Auto Ratha Saradhi, Muthuraj recounted the events of that day. He explained that he had accepted a ride to Shanti Nagar and reached the pickup point. “She said she was coming in two minutes and asked me to wait. Two women climbed down from a building after five minutes. I saw them getting into an auto. I called them, and they disconnected the call and cancelled the ride,” R Muthuraj said.

Read| ‘Does Your Father Pay For Gas?’ Bengaluru Auto Driver Slaps Woman For Cancelling Ola Ride, Video Goes Viral

After this, Muthuraj somehow figured out the woman who cancelled his ride and walked up to her for an explanation. He explained that he was upset because he had travelled seven kilometres to reach the location. In the viral video, Muthuraj can be heard repeatedly questioning the woman about why she cancelled the ride, angrily asking if her father would pay for the fuel costs of the trip.

The driver, as seen in the viral video, admitted to asking the woman to accompany him to the police station. He defended himself, saying, “If I were guilty, why would I go to the police?”

The driver further claims to have received threatening calls from people. Additionally, he revealed that all ride-hailing apps, including Ola and Uber, have banned him. “In these years, I have driven autos for Ola, Uber and Rapido. Look at my ratings. The customers have given me five-star ratings. They gave it to me because I am a good driver. But after the incident, Ola and Uber banned me. I have received threatening calls from people who said they would finish me,” he added.

He also expressed gratitude towards people who helped him financially after the incident: “All of you who have helped me financially, you are very kind. I will never forget you.”

Where did it all begin?

A Bengaluru woman and her friend booked separate rides for the same destination so that one of them didn’t miss her class. One of them cancelled her ride as the other auto arrived first. The woman further reasoned that “in Bangaluru, autos often cancel rides or demand extra money”, and that’s why they booked two separate autos.

The woman claims that since the auto driver was a minute away from the location when she cancelled the ride, he became furious and followed them. “Despite explaining the situation, he started shouting and hurling abuses,” the woman recalled.

Also Read| Bengaluru Auto Driver Who Slapped Woman to Pay Rs 30,000 in Legal Fees, Spend 4 Days in Jail

He even tried snatching her phone to prevent her from recording the confrontation and forced them to go to the police station with him. The woman also alleged that the auto driver slapped her as she repeatedly asked in the video, “Mujhe kyun mara [why did you slap me]? A video of the incident went viral and the Internet demanded the arrest of the driver and the suspension of his driving licence.

What unfolds in the viral video?

In the video, the Bengaluru woman repeatedly asks, “Aap chilla kyu rahe ho [Why are you shouting]?” as the angry auto driver argues, “Galti se kaise hota hai cancel [How do you cancel by mistake]?” He also questions her about who will cover the fuel costs, stating, “Does your father pay for gas?”

As the video continues, the woman warns the driver that she will report him to the police. The driver then grew increasingly furious, repeatedly urging the woman to accompany him to the police station.

When the woman suggests heading to a different police station and mentions she already has his phone and auto details, the driver allegedly slaps her.

“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.

Watch the viral videos here:

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.”

The auto driver was nabbed by Magadi Road police under Sections 74 and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Muthuraj spent several days in jail before walking out on bail on Wednesday. Raghu Narayana Gowda, president of Peace Auto & Cab Drivers Association, pooled Rs 33,000 with the help of other auto drivers and gave it to Muthuraj’s family for his bail. The advocate charged Rs 30,000 as legal fees. Gowda also said that the association will speak to RTO officials and request them not to cancel his driving licence. The association will also speak to the ride-hailing apps who have banned him, reported TOI.