• Source:JND
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Bengaluru Viral News: A commuter in Bengaluru was allegedly threatened by a group of auto-rickshaw drivers after he chose to book a bike taxi through a ride-hailing app. The incident, shared by the victim on Reddit, has gone viral on social media, raising concerns about passenger safety and the growing tension between app-based transport services and traditional drivers.

The victim shared in his post that after stepping out of the metro station, he tried to book a bike taxi using a ride-hailing app. Before he could confirm the booking, an auto driver nearby stopped him and insisted, “Don’t book that! I’ll drop you, come with me!” The commuter ignored the demand and continued with his booking.

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As the bike rider arrived and the man boarded the vehicle, a group of auto drivers began shouting threats at him. One driver yelled, "You’re going with him? I’ll deal with you!" Unfazed, the commuter made a rude gesture and continued with his ride.

However, the confrontation did not end there. The same auto driver who had first approached him overtook the bike, blocked its path and started issuing direct threats. He claimed he was just "teasing" and accused the man of overreacting. Soon, a mob of seven to eight auto drivers and several scooter riders surrounded the bike, issuing alarming threats. Phrases like, "We’ll chop your hand off!" and "You won’t be able to walk freely in this city!" were shouted at him, with one driver declaring, "Even if you know the police, it won't matter—we’re locals and we will create chaos!"

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Feeling unsafe, the commuter dialled emergency helpline 112. However, the police response added to his distress. Instead of addressing the threats, officers allegedly focused on the man’s hand gesture made during the confrontation. One officer, reportedly familiar with the group of drivers, asked them to let the man go and allegedly ended the conversation by telling them to "hit him and send him off."

In a similar incident, a 20-year-old intern in Bengaluru has alleged harassment and threats by an auto driver. In a post on X, the student claimed the driver demanded an extra Rs 200 without reason and used racial slurs. The intern also alleged that the driver threatened to attack him outside his office. Describing the experience as disturbing, the student shared video clips of their interaction and payment screenshots as evidence. The incident has sparked concern over commuter safety and driver behaviour in the city.