Bengaluru: Rapido Rider Slaps Woman Over Fare Dispute, Viral Video Sparks Outrage and Debate

Rapido Rider Slaps Woman: A Rapido rider allegedly slapped a woman over a fare dispute in Bengaluru, sparking massive outrage as the video went viral. Police are investigating the incident. Read full story.

Bengaluru, June 2025 – A disturbing incident captured on camera in Bengaluru has triggered widespread outrage and a heated debate on social media. A Rapido bike taxi rider was seen allegedly slapping a female passenger during a public altercation that occurred on Saturday morning in the city’s Jayanagar area.

The woman, who is reportedly employed as a saleswoman at a jewellery showroom, had booked a Rapido ride to reach her workplace. However, things took a turn when she allegedly asked the rider to slow down due to his rash driving. Eyewitnesses and initial reports suggest that the disagreement escalated quickly after she decided to end the ride mid-way.

Confrontation Over Rash Driving and Fare

According to police sources, the woman was unhappy with the way the rider was maneuvering the bike through traffic and demanded to be dropped off before reaching her destination. Upon stopping, the two entered into a verbal spat. The woman allegedly refused to pay the fare and also did not return the helmet, further intensifying the situation.

In a shocking turn of events, the rider was caught on video slapping the woman with such force that she fell to the ground. The video quickly surfaced on social media, drawing both sympathy and criticism from different corners of the internet.

Viral Video Divides Internet Opinion

The short video clip of the incident has gone viral across platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. While many condemned the use of physical violence by the rider, some users questioned whether the woman’s refusal to pay the fare and return company property warranted a confrontation.

“This is completely unacceptable. No matter the dispute, physical assault is never justified,” commented one user. Meanwhile, another user wrote, “Let’s wait for the full story. If she refused to pay or cooperate, both sides should be investigated.”

Rapido’s Response and Legal Action

When approached for a statement, Rapido officials declined to comment, citing that the case is under active police investigation. However, sources within the company say that the rider has been temporarily suspended pending further inquiry.

Police officials from the Jayanagar Police Station have taken cognizance of the incident and are examining the video evidence. An official stated, “We are verifying all facts. Both parties will be called for questioning, and appropriate action will be taken based on the evidence.”

Rider Safety vs. Passenger Rights

This incident has reignited discussions around the safety of women commuters in app-based transport services and the training of bike taxi riders in conflict resolution and customer service. Experts argue that app-based platforms must implement stronger safety protocols and provide behavioral training to their drivers.

Conclusion

As the investigation unfolds, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of public trust in ride-hailing services, especially concerning women’s safety. Regardless of who instigated the altercation, the use of physical force cannot be condoned. The city and its service providers must work together to ensure such incidents are not repeated.