Bengaluru: A woman in Bengaluru has accused a Rapido bike-taxi driver of inappropriate touching during a ride, sharing a video of the alleged incident that has sparked widespread outrage on social media. The woman said the harassment occurred on November 6, while she was travelling from Church Street to her paying-guest accommodation in central Bengaluru.
According to her account, the driver repeatedly tried to grab her leg while the vehicle was in motion. In the video shared by her, she can be heard pleading with the driver to stop. Feeling unsafe and unfamiliar with the route, she was unable to end the ride herself. A passerby noticed her distress, intervened, and confronted the driver. The woman said the driver apologised but continued to act in a manner that made her feel uncomfortable and unsafe.
Rapido and police response
Following the incident, Bengaluru City Police advised the woman to provide full details of the ride, including the driver’s identity, to register a formal complaint. Rapido, the ride-hailing platform, issued a statement expressing concern over the allegations and assured that it would conduct a thorough internal investigation. The company also stated that strict action would be taken against any driver found guilty of misconduct.
Women’s safety in ride-hailing services
The case has reignited debate over women’s safety in app-based transportation services, particularly for bike-taxis. Critics argue that current safety protocols are insufficient, highlighting the need for stricter background verification, real-time monitoring during rides, emergency alerts, and rapid response systems for passengers. Many users have urged Rapido to improve transparency in complaint redressal and to ensure that drivers are held accountable for any misconduct.
Broader concerns and implications
This incident highlights the vulnerability of women passengers, especially in solo rides on two-wheelers. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of existing regulations and the responsibility of ride-hailing companies to ensure passenger safety. Experts note that while digital tracking and verification systems exist, human behaviour and misconduct remain a major challenge that technology alone cannot always prevent.
Next steps
The Bengaluru City Police are actively investigating the allegation. If found guilty, the driver may face charges related to harassment or assault. Rapido is expected to reassess its driver recruitment, screening, and monitoring protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. Public awareness campaigns and stronger safety measures have been suggested by experts and advocacy groups to protect women commuters.
Conclusion
The incident has drawn attention nationwide to the safety challenges faced by women using ride-hailing services. It underscores the urgent need for robust systems, swift action against misconduct, and heightened awareness among passengers and companies alike. The video shared by the woman continues to circulate on social media, prompting calls for accountability and policy reforms to ensure safer mobility.