A video is making rounds from Bengaluru city, showing an auto driver harassing a rapido driver. A Twitter Handle by the name @FreedomofspeechBlore posted the video, urging the authorities to take action against the auto driver.
Strict action should be taken against this auto driver under the law.
Is there no such thing as law in Bangalore City?@BlrCityPolice @BlrCityPolice @CPBlr @tv9kannada pic.twitter.com/Uaa4Am9OPV— freedom of speech B,lore (@freedomlore1) March 5, 2023
In the video, the auto driver is seen urging the auto drivers union to take action against the Rapido drivers. In a visible case of assault, the auto driver calls the rapido rider, a foreigner. He also pointed out the fact that the Rapido driver was using a whiteboard (number plate) and not yellow, as should be the case with commercial vehicles. Free of Speech tagged the Bengaluru City Police and the City Commissioner of Police.
ಮನುಷ್ಯತ್ವ, ಮಾನವೀಯತೆ ಅನ್ನೋದೇ ಇಲ್ಲದ ಮೃಗಗಳೆ ಈ ಕನ್ನಡ ಹೋರಾಟಗರರ, ಇವರದ್ದು ಏನಿದ್ರೂ ಬಡವರ ಮೇಲೆ ಅಷ್ಟೇ ದಬ್ಬಾಳಿಕೆ.
— ︎ ︎ (@A_Kumar024) March 6, 2023
The video has opened several reactions online. While a majority of the users have severely condemned the auto driver for his actions, others have highlighted instances of auto drivers positioning themselves as the ‘sole gatekeepers of Kannada’.
A user tried reasoning out the auto driver’s stance, by highlighting why using a whiteboard is a risky prospect.
All the ppl who are commenting against the Auto driver, pls note that Rapido case is still in court. You cannot use a white board vehicle for a taxi purpose. Because, the driver isn't paying any additional tax,RTO license is not obtained, no insurance which is a risk to passenger
— ಜನಾರ್ಧನ್ (@TITTUCOOL) March 6, 2023
A few users have pointed out the issues with the auto drivers in the city. Harassment and faulty or no use of meters are a few issues pointed out by them.
6-7 ನಿಮಿಷ ಆದ್ಮೇಲೆ ಕ್ಯಾನ್ಸಲ್ ಮಾಡ್ತೀರಾ , ಕ್ಯಾಶ್ ಕೊಟ್ರೆ ಮಾತ್ರ ಬರ್ತೀವಿ ಅಂತೀರಾ, 60-90 ಒಳಗೆ ಇದ್ರೆ ಯಾರು ಬುಕ್ ಆಗೋದೇ ಇಲ್ಲ, ನಾವೇನ್ ಸಾಯ್ಬೇಕಾ ಹೇಳ್ರಿ ಆಟೋ ಹೀರೋ
— ಅಪರಾಜಿತೆ (@amshilparaghu) March 6, 2023
Lost count the number of times I've been harassed by auto drivers. Uncouth, rude thugs. They thrive under umbrella of unionism and act like they are private gatekeepers of Kannada/Karnataka. ನಾವೆಲ್ಲ locals ಗುಳ್ಡುಗಳು. ಇವರು ಮಾತ್ರ ಮಹಾನು ಭಾವರು. Arrest this man! Double meter scammers
— Mrs AD | ಆಶಾ | आशा 💕🇮🇳 (@AshaDwarakanath) March 6, 2023
The online cab services have been under scrutiny since October, last year. After complaints regarding the high fares, a government memorandum issued a notice, making them illegal in the state of Karnataka. However, the same changed after the companies agreed to comply with the demands of the government.
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