Bengaluru: Tension prevailed outside the Uber Partner Seva Kendra on Hosa Road on Monday after police dispersed a large group of cab drivers protesting against what they alleged was “unfair treatment” and declining earnings. The protest, led by members of the Bharath Transport Association Group, resulted in the arrest of eight drivers and the seizure of six cars.

The demonstration highlighted long-standing concerns among ride-hailing drivers in the city, who claim widening disparities between fleet and independent drivers on the Uber platform. The protest also raised questions about the legality of such demonstrations outside authorised zones.

Protest erupts over earnings and “differential treatment”

Scores of drivers gathered outside the Uber office around Monday morning, accusing the company of favouring fleet drivers — those who rent vehicles from individuals or companies — over independent drivers who operate their own cars. The union, which claims to represent around 76,000 drivers across Bengaluru, said that many drivers were struggling to earn a sustainable income.

Organised by the RR Nagar-based Bharath Transport Association Group, the protestors said they would not leave the office premises until Uber issued a written undertaking addressing their demands.

Drivers alleged that Uber’s algorithm prioritised fleet drivers, who they claimed received “back-to-back” bookings, while independent drivers waited long durations despite being near passenger locations. Many also accused the company of unfairly blocking IDs without proper explanation.

One independent driver told Deccan Herald that earnings had dropped drastically in the past few months.
“We don’t get enough rides even if we are nearby the location, and Uber blocks IDs for random reasons. Meanwhile, fleet drivers get continuous bookings,” he said.

He further claimed that nearly 3,000 drivers from Kerala had joined the fleet programme in Bengaluru, creating additional pressure on the city’s local drivers. According to drivers, a fleet driver earns about ₹3,000 a day, but approximately ₹800 goes to the vehicle owner, while around ₹1,000 is spent on fuel and operational expenses.

Police intervene after Uber’s complaint

The situation escalated when Uber alerted the Parappana Agrahara police, alleging that the protestors were shouting slogans, causing unrest and disrupting staff movement.

A police team arrived at the spot around 10:45 am and instructed the crowd to disperse, reminding them that protests are only legally permitted at Freedom Park, the designated protest zone in Bengaluru.

However, police reported that when asked to vacate the premises, some protestors allegedly pushed and verbally insulted women sub-inspectors Keerthi Lakshmi and Kalavathi K R. Officials said that the leaders of the protest — identified as Jayanna (52) and Vinay Gowda (43) — refused to cooperate and obstructed the police from performing their duties.

Protestors allegedly questioned the officers, asking, “Why did you come here?”

With the situation becoming tense, additional police forces were deployed. The crowd was eventually dispersed, and police detained several members involved in the confrontation.

Eight arrested, six cars seized

Police confirmed the arrest of eight individuals:

  • Jayanna, 52
  • Vinay Gowda, 43
  • Jagadish, 35
  • Raju, 35
  • Kiran Kulkarni, 38
  • Ananda, 33
  • Imran Pasha, 36
  • Malakappa, 30

Six cars used by the protestors were also seized during the operation.

All arrested individuals were booked under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) related to assault, negligence, endangerment and conspiracy.

Uber denies discrimination, condemns “violence”

Responding to the incident, an Uber spokesperson condemned the behaviour of what it described as a “few individuals” at the protest.

“We categorically deny any allegation of differential treatment between fleet and independent drivers. Our policies ensure fairness, transparency and equal opportunity for all, regardless of their operational model,” the spokesperson said.

Uber also reiterated that it operates a zero-commission model, stating that drivers retain 100% of their fares after paying a nominal subscription fee.

A growing rift between drivers and platforms

The confrontation underscores the growing dissatisfaction among ride-hailing drivers in Bengaluru, many of whom say operational costs have risen while earnings have stagnated. The entry of fleet models — once seen as a way to support drivers without personal vehicles — is now increasingly being blamed for shrinking opportunities for independent drivers.

With arrests made and tensions high, driver unions have hinted at organising larger, citywide demonstrations in the coming weeks if the company does not address their concerns.