Bengaluru: While the digital age has revolutionized commuting for many, offering convenience and affordability through ride-hailing apps, it has also deepened the divide between traditional transport workers and tech-enabled services. A recent incident in Bengaluru is a troubling example of this growing friction.

A commuter, after exiting a metro station, attempted to book a bike taxi through a ride-sharing app. Before he could complete the booking, a local auto driver aggressively intervened, insisting, “Don’t book that! I’ll drop you—come with me!” The commuter ignored the demand and went ahead with his app-based booking. Moments later, a bike rider arrived, but what followed was disturbing.

The commuter was suddenly confronted by a hostile group of auto drivers who hurled death threats and abusive remarks, furious that he had chosen a digital service over them. One auto driver even overtook the bike, stopped it, and began issuing direct threats. Within minutes, around 7–8 auto drivers and others on scooters surrounded the commuter, intimidating him with menacing lines like:

  • “We’ll chop your hand off!”

  • “We can ruin your life!”

  • “Even the police can’t save you—we’re locals!”

    • Fearing for his life, the man dialled emergency helpline 112. But the police response was far from reassuring. Officers focused more on the man’s alleged rude gesture than the threats he received. Shockingly, one officer, seemingly familiar with the mob, told them to “hit him and send him off.”

    This disturbing episode not only highlights the urgent need for stronger protections for app users but also reflects the growing unrest among traditional drivers left behind by digital disruption. There’s a clear need for better conflict resolution, regulation, and public safety measures in urban mobility spaces.

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