A social media post by a Kochi resident has sparked outrage after he detailed an incident of harassment faced by his wife near the Palarivattom round. The issue arose when she booked an Uber ride at an auto stand, leading to aggressive behavior from local auto drivers, described as “auto goons” in the post.

The group initially argued with the Uber driver, claiming the woman was at fault for booking from the stand. They then forced the driver to cancel the ride and pressured the woman to use one of their autos for the same fare. Insults, including “Ahankaari,” were directed at her, and her explanation that online payment was more convenient was dismissed.

The victim’s husband expressed frustration, comparing this behavior to similar issues in Bengaluru and questioning the lack of accountability, especially given the proximity of the incident to a police station.

Key Concerns:

  • Harassment linked to ride-hailing services.
  • Lack of enforcement against such behavior despite proximity to law enforcement.
  • Need for better protection for commuters in Kochi.

Next Steps:

The incident has sparked calls for stricter regulations and penalties for auto driver misconduct. Public response and Uber’s statement are awaited.