Bengaluru, August 9:  A Rapido taxi driver in Bengaluru is accused of allegedly molesting a 28-year-old woman after altering the route of her destination on July 5. When the woman attempted to escape, he assaulted her and stole her phone and cash. She reported the incident to Rapido, which responded by stating they would terminate the driver, Biswajit, and provided his name and mobile number. The complaint has been officially filed.

The woman reported to the Bellandur police that the incident occurred at approximately 11:40 p.m. after she booked a Rapido bike to have dinner with her husband, who works with her in the same hotel. Bijwajit, the Rapido driver, picked her up from her residence. Rapido Bike Taxi Driver Sexually Harasses Woman Activist in Bengaluru, Allegedly Masturbates While Victim Sat Pillion; Probe On.

The victim reported that during the ride, the driver changed the route, claiming it was due to waterlogging and that he was taking alternative roads. While she was on the phone with a friend, speaking in Bengali, Biswajit asked if she was Bengali and began conversing with her in the same language. He then took her to a secluded area and stopped the bike. When she questioned him, he began touching her inappropriately and demanded her cooperation. Bengaluru Bandh: Protestors Attack Rapido Rider and Smash His Bike-Taxi Into Divider; Terrifying Videos Surface.

Bina attempted to escape, but he chased her, slapped her, and stole her mobile phone and cash. She pleaded with him to leave her unharmed. After nearly 30 minutes, when he realised she was not going to comply, she asked him to either drop her off at her destination or home, as she was unfamiliar with the area and there were very few people around.

Further, He drove her on his bike to RMZ Ecoworld, returned her phone, and left with Rs 800. She was unable to write down his bike number. Her husband arrived to pick her up. Rapido responded to her complaint by stating they would terminate Biswajit and providing his name and mobile number. She then filed a formal complaint.

Meanwhile, police tracked down Biswajit, who claimed that he took alternative routes due to waterlogging on the main road and that the passenger misunderstood his intentions. According to him, she requested to be dropped a few meters away from her destination and refused to pay the fare. He stated that he forcibly took the money from her and left. "We are currently verifying his account," an officer said.

Women and Child Helpline Numbers:

Childline India – 1098; Missing Child and Women – 1094; Women’s Helpline – 181; National Commission for Women Helpline – 112; National Commission for Women Helpline Against Violence – 7827170170; Police Women and Senior Citizen Helpline – 1091/1291.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 09, 2024 04:22 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).