Bengaluru, June 16 (UNI) A Rapido bike taxi driver has been taken into custody for slapping a woman on camera. The driver has filed a counter-complaint alleging that he acted in self-defence after being physically assaulted first.

The incident, which took place on June 13, gained public attention only after a video of it went viral on social media on Monday, prompting police action.

The driver, identified as Suhas, claimed that the altercation began when he reached the pickup location and the passenger insisted he stop immediately. "I told her I would stop just a little ahead, but she started verbally abusing me using derogatory words. I tried to explain that I couldn’t halt at that exact spot. She then physically attacked me first, and I hit her only in retaliation," Suhas stated in his complaint filed at Jayanagar Police Station.

Following the viral video, the Bengaluru City Police tracked down the woman and encouraged her to file a formal complaint. She alleged that the driver was riding rashly and, when confronted, slapped her during the ensuing argument.

Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh said, "Though no complaint was filed initially, we took suo motu cognisance after the video surfaced. The accused has been taken into custody and a case has been registered. A cross-FIR has also been filed, as both parties have lodged complaints."

A senior officer from the South Division confirmed that both versions are being investigated. "This is a case involving mutual allegations, and we will proceed based on facts and evidence," the officer said.

The video has sparked widespread outrage and reignited public debate on passenger safety and the regulation of bike taxi services operating under gig economy platforms.

Further investigation is in progress.

UNI BDN RN