Language tensions and unfair fare demands by autorickshaw drivers are becoming an unfortunate reality for many people living in Bengaluru. Recently, a video of a heated argument between a woman and an auto driver went viral, showing how unsafe commuting in Bengaluru has become…
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Auto Driver Threatens Woman: Caught on Camera
The video was posted by a woman named Anya S. It shows her arguing with the driver after he allegedly demanded Rs 390 for a ride that was supposed to cost Rs 296, according to the Rapido app. Anya stood her ground during the exchange, telling him firmly, “Don’t scream at me. I’ll only pay what the app says.”
At one point, feeling unsafe, she called out to another auto driver nearby for help. “Aap yahan aao, mujhe darr lag raha hai,” she pleaded. The clip ended shortly after, but Anya later uploaded the full video on Instagram.
More About The Incident
In her Instagram caption, Anya wrote an emotional message about the incident. “This isn’t about refusing to learn the local language — of course I want to learn Kannada,” she explained. “But when people behave like this, it really makes me question myself. Why should I make the effort when they don’t even treat me with basic respect?”
Anya made it clear that she was not opposed to paying extra for a good ride. “I’m someone who happily pays more when I have a good experience,” she wrote. “But I will never pay extra to someone who tries to bully or threaten me into it.”
She added that for her, the issue went far deeper than money. “We live here. We work here. We contribute to this city,” she wrote. “That means we deserve fairness, dignity, and safety — no matter what language we speak.”
Support and Reactions From the Public
Her video quickly went viral, receiving over a million views. Many people spoke up in support of Anya. One Bengaluru local wrote in a comment, “I want to apologize for the unacceptable behavior of some individuals who are tarnishing our city’s reputation. On behalf of all educated Kannadigas, we extend our sincerest apologies. I hope you’re safe and okay.”
Others echoed her message that Bengaluru should not divide people based on language. Another user commented, “Are we seriously going to fight over language too? How low can we go?”
Rapido Steps In
As the video gained attention, Rapido also responded. The company assured Anya and everyone else that they take these matters seriously. “Customer safety and dignity are our top priorities,” Rapido wrote in a public response. “The driver involved has been permanently banned from our platform. We are also working on stronger safety protocols for our captains to prevent such incidents in the future.”
Moving Beyond North vs. South
Anya also used the viral moment to make a larger point about fairness and respect. “This isn’t about North versus South or locals versus outsiders,” she wrote in her post. “It’s about being fair to one another, no matter where we’re from. Let’s build a space where respect goes both ways, and where these kinds of experiences don’t cause deeper divisions.”
This incident is not the first of its kind. Just a few months ago, another Instagram user had a similar experience with a Rapido auto-rickshaw driver who demanded extra money. That driver also resorted to hurling abuses when denied.
