X Users Divided Over Crowdfunding Suggestion For B'lore Auto Driver Who Abused Woman

Bengaluru auto driver Muthuraj, who was arrested for abusing a woman passenger, is garnering sympathy from some individuals. With reports suggesting his legal fees could amount to ₹30,000, several people on X have proposed crowdfunding to cover the costs. This has led to considerable backlash, with netizens criticising the support for someone accused of assaulting a woman.

Auto Driver’s Legal Costs Fuel Controversy, Netizens Divided Over Crowdfunding

Supporters argue that despite his jail time, the cost is too high and have pledged to contribute. However, others criticise this support, questioning why funds are being raised for an alleged assaulter.

What lesson did he n others learn?
Do whatever u want n even when u r wrong ppl will support u

— Sue (@worldsmyoyester) September 10, 2024

Got one question for the ones who are funding him, will they do the same if he had slapped the women in their family??? By doing this funding Kannadigas are only promoting hooligans.

— siddhartha roy (@roy09siddhartha) September 10, 2024

A video went viral on social media, in which an auto drive identified as Muthurajr from Bengaluru can be seen harassing and abusing a woman. The driver was caught verbally abusing and allegedly slapping the woman, Niti, because she reportedly cancelled a booking on a ride-hailing app. The accused was tracked and arrested by Magadi Police on September 5 after the incident caused outrage on social media, according to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru (West).

Auto Driver's 'Hooliganism' Causes Outrage

Niti took to X to share a frightening experience with an auto driver in Bengaluru over a simple ride cancellation. "Yesterday I faced severe harassment and was physically assaulted by your auto driver in Bangalore after a simple ride cancellation," she wrote.

Niti tagged the official social media handles of the ride-hailing app Ola and the Bengaluru Police and asserted, "Despite reporting, your customer support has been unresponsive. Immediate action is needed!" Niti explained the entire situation in the following tweets.

Read here:

The driver went on to verbally assault us, questioning whether the auto belonged to my father and making derogatory comments. I began recording, which enraged him further. When I mentioned reporting him, he challenged me, showing no fear of consequences. (2/6)

— Niti (@nihihiti) September 4, 2024

The video made headlines and was widely circulated on social media. Hours later, the DCP (West) of Bengaluru Police shared on X, "The Auto Driver has been apprehended by Magadi Road Police. Action is being initiated for the offence committed as per law."

Ola also responded to the viral video.

This sounds quite alarming, Niti. Don’t worry, we are here to help you with this. Please provide us with the CRN and your registered email ID via DM so that we can investigate this further. https://t.co/6DHSELSc7K

— Ola Support (@ola_supports) September 4, 2024

Despite the arrest, social media users raised concerns over the numerous cases of abuse by auto drivers in Bengaluru, especially against women. Several netizens slammed expressed shock over the incident.

Cancellation is a normal process and that is why the cancellation tab is given on the app to both the rider and driver, there was no need for the driver to be irrate as they use the cancellation tab more than rider. Being abusive and hitting some one should be dealt strongly

— Ushassu Bhaskaran (@UshassuB69813) September 5, 2024

Shameless person, cancelling ride is not a crime... But he physically attacked her

Hello @BlrCityPolice please take action against this driver

— Veena Jain (@DrJain21) September 5, 2024

Ride cancellation is a basic right of customer. Of course the driver can be compensated by the platform/customer based on the conditions for cancellation. But abuse verbal or physical is not acceptable. This auto driver must face the legal consequences.

— Soumya Satpathy (@srsKahuchi) September 5, 2024

Physical and Verbal abuse is not at all justified. A moral lesson is must so any other person should think a thousand times before doing it ! I have faced a similar issue in the past but Ola's response was not satisfactory so I deleted the app itself. I don't use Ola now.

— Chetan Tated (@chetanb_91) September 5, 2024