Bengaluru, July 24, 2023 In a shocking incident, a woman in Bengaluru, identified as Athira Purushothaman, came forward on social media to share her harrowing experience of harassment and lewd behavior by a Rapido bike driver. Following her public outcry, the Bengaluru Police promptly took action, leading to the arrest of the accused on Saturday.
The incident unfolded on July 21 when Ms. Purushothaman decided to use the Rapido ride-hailing platform after attending a Manipur violence protest at Town Hall Bangalore. Initially, she faced several cancellations, but eventually, a driver arrived, though on a different bike than the one registered with the @rapidobikeapp, citing service issues.
Despite the unexpected change, Ms. Purushothaman confirmed the booking through the driver’s app and proceeded with the ride. However, what started as a routine journey quickly turned into a nightmare for the young woman. She described how they entered an isolated area with no other vehicles around, and it was at this point that the driver began displaying inappropriate behavior, leaving her fearing for her safety.
Shaken by the alarming situation and not wanting to disclose her home location, Athira made the decision to disembark 200 meters before her actual destination. But the ordeal didn’t end there. After the ride, the driver began incessantly calling and messaging her on WhatsApp, leading her to block his number to escape the harassment.
Athira Purushothaman bravely shared screenshots of the chat with the driver, which depicted the driver using heart and kissing emojis while expressing “love you.” The driver’s conduct during the journey had been far from professional, as he was riding with one hand while allegedly engaging in lewd behavior, causing immense distress to the passenger.
The incident sparked outrage on social media, with Ms. Purushothaman questioning Rapido’s safety measures and background verification protocols for its drivers. She called for more stringent measures to ensure passenger safety, emphasizing that users should be able to trust the service for a safe travel experience.
The Bengaluru Police, recognizing the severity of the situation, swiftly responded to the matter. Deputy Commissioner of Police, South-East Division, Bengaluru City Police, CK Baba, took to Twitter to announce the arrest of the accused, whom he referred to as a “real sicko on wheels.” The police lodged a criminal case at the Electronic City Police Station, and the alleged offender was taken into custody.
In response to the incident, the official handle of Bengaluru Police tweeted that an FIR had been registered, and the accused was in custody. The authorities assured the public that they would not tolerate such indecent behaviour and urged everyone to maintain a safe and respectful environment in the city.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures and background checks in the ride-hailing industry. Service providers like Rapido have a responsibility to prioritize passenger safety, and the authorities must ensure swift action against those who violate trust and indulge in criminal behaviour.
In these trying times, it is essential for everyone to remain vigilant and report any instances of harassment or misconduct to the authorities immediately. Together, we can build a safer city where such incidents are met with the full force of the law, providing a safer environment for everyone.
