An auto-rickshaw driver in Bengaluru was caught on video harassing a two-wheeler taxi driver, forcibly taking his bike keys after stopping him on a busy road. The auto driver confronted the biker, warning him against operating his vehicle with a white board, claiming it was illegal.
In the viral footage, the auto driver can be heard saying, “There is no permission for whiteboard bikes to operate as two-wheeler taxis. The inspector issued orders to stop such vehicles.” When a bystander intervened to question the auto driver’s authority, he responded, “I know the rules. If you want to know them, come with me; I’m taking him to the inspector. Who are you to ask?”
After snatching the keys and the mobile phone of the bike taxi driver, the auto driver claimed he was taking him to the Marathahalli police station.
Social media users demanded the arrest of the auto driver for taking the law into his own hands. One user wrote, “This happens every day. Why can’t these thugs be banned? @blrcitytraffic, please arrest this guy! Who gave him the right to enforce the law? He should be arrested and fined!”
In response, Bengaluru Police acknowledged the incident and assured that action would be taken. They urged the victim to share his contact number and advised anyone in distress to dial #Namma 112.
Harassment of two-wheeler taxi drivers by auto drivers has been a recurring issue in Bengaluru. Auto-rickshaw unions have long demanded a ban on bike taxis, leading to multiple reported attacks on bike taxi drivers. While outright bans are not legally permissible, the Karnataka transport department has pledged to crack down on unauthorized bike taxis operating in the city.
