Rapido Driver Accused of Molesting Woman in Bengaluru – FIR Filed
A Rapido bike-taxi driver has been accused of molesting a woman passenger during a ride in Bengaluru, triggering public outrage and raising concerns over women’s safety in ride-hailing services. An FIR has been registered, and an investigation is underway. Here’s what we know so far.
What Happened? Incident Details
On June 12, a 24-year-old woman booked a Rapido bike-taxi from Koramangala to HSR Layout. Midway, the driver allegedly made inappropriate advances and touched her despite her protests. The woman threatened to call the police, prompting the driver to drop her at an unfamiliar location before fleeing.
She filed an FIR at the HSR Layout police station under IPC Section 354 (assault to outrage modesty). Police are reviewing CCTV footage and working with Rapido to identify the accused.
Rapido’s Response & Action Taken
Rapido issued a statement condemning the incident and suspending the driver’s account pending investigation. The company said:
“We are deeply disturbed and cooperating fully with authorities. Safety is our priority, and we have a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct.”
They also encouraged other victims to report similar incidents.
Public Outrage & Calls for Stricter Safety Measures
The case has sparked anger on social media, with many sharing past harassment experiences. Activists demand:
- Mandatory panic buttons in ride-hailing apps
- Stricter driver background checks
- Real-time ride monitoring
Kavitha M., a Bengaluru activist, said: “Companies must enforce stronger safeguards to prevent such incidents.”
Police Investigation & Legal Consequences
Bengaluru Police are analyzing evidence and expect to arrest the driver soon. Legal experts suggest the victim could also pursue negligence claims against Rapido if background checks were inadequate.
Safety Tips for Ride-Hailing Passengers
To stay safe, experts advise:
- Share ride details with family/friends.
- Verify driver/vehicle before boarding.
- Use in-app safety features like emergency buttons.
- Trust instincts—cancel if uncomfortable.
Broader Implications for Ride-Hailing Safety
This incident highlights gaps in passenger safety protocols. Stricter regulations and corporate accountability are needed to prevent future cases.
NextMinuteNews will update this story as it develops.
[Disclaimer: The accused is innocent until proven guilty.]
