Bengaluru Rapido Auto Driver Accused of Molestation, Suspended After Complaint

A Rapido auto-rickshaw driver in Bengaluru has been accused of molesting a female passenger during a ride booked from Kumaraswamy Layout near Dayananda Sagar College. The incident took place on Monday evening.

The driver, identified as Hanumanthappa H Talawar, picked up the passenger at around 4:30 p.m. and dropped her near her apartment at 5:15 p.m. During the ride, he allegedly made inappropriate remarks, comparing her to a film actress and offering to carry her bags.

According to the complaint, the driver touched her forehead under the pretext of checking for fever before inappropriately touching her chest. When the passenger tried to exit, he allegedly asked her to remain inside the vehicle. She pushed him away and rushed home.

Later, she informed her mother and filed a complaint with the police. A case has been registered, and the investigation is ongoing.

Rapido's Response

In response, Rapido expressed deep concern over the alleged incident. The company said:
"We are deeply disturbed by the incident reported in Bengaluru. No one should ever feel unsafe or harassed while using our platform."

Rapido confirmed that the driver has been permanently suspended and blacklisted. The company also reached out to support the passenger and assured full cooperation with the police.

Rapido stated that it follows strict safety protocols, including:

Post-10:00 p.m. safety calls for women riders.

24/7 in-app SOS emergency support.

Regular refresher training for drivers.

The company reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and assured that stricter monitoring will be enforced.