Shocking Harassment Incident on Rapido Bike-Taxi
A Bengaluru woman’s social media post has exposed alarming safety gaps in bike-taxi services after she alleged a Rapido driver attempted to grab her legs mid-ride. The viral account has ignited demands for stricter safety measures from ride-hailing platforms.
Victim’s Harrowing Account
The woman (identity protected) shared on X (formerly Twitter) that the driver grew invasive during her commute:
“I was seated sideways when he tried to grab my legs. I yelled, ‘Bhaiya, what’re you doing?’ and pushed him away. He pretended it was accidental but repeated it.”
She cut the ride short and reported the incident to Rapido, criticizing delayed action until her post gained traction.
Rapido’s Reaction & Public Backlash
The company suspended the driver pending investigation, stating:
“Customer safety is paramount. We’re cooperating with authorities.”
However, users slammed Rapido’s reactive approach, citing recurring safety failures:
“Why act only after public outrage? Background checks and live monitoring are non-negotiable,” tweeted a netizen.
Bike-Taxi Safety Under Scrutiny
While affordable, bike-taxis like Rapido face scrutiny over lax safeguards:
– Verification Gaps: Drivers may use rented bikes or fake IDs.
– No Real-Time Monitoring: Lack of AI or panic buttons escalates risks.
Cybersecurity expert Arjun Nair notes: “Companies must enforce stricter penalties and tech-driven checks.”
5 Safety Tips for Passengers
- Share Live Location: Use app features to alert trusted contacts.
- Verify Driver/Vehicle: Match details in-app before boarding.
- Use Emergency Features: Familiarize yourself with SOS buttons.
- Travel Alert: Avoid night rides or opt for women-only services where available.
- Report Immediately: File complaints via app and local police.
Will This Spark Change?
The incident highlights systemic issues in India’s ride-hailing sector. Advocates urge:
– Regulatory Overhaul: Mandatory panic buttons, GPS tracking, and female driver options.
– Corporate Accountability: Zero-tolerance policies and transparent investigations.
Has a similar incident happened to you? Share your thoughts below.
