A Bengaluru woman’s ordeal during a Rapido bike taxi ride has sparked outrage online after she accused the rider of sexually harassing her. The incident, which took place around 4 PM on November 6 near Church Street, came to light after the woman shared her experience on Instagram. She alleged that the Rapido “captain” repeatedly tried to grab her legs while riding, leaving her shaken and terrified.
“It happened so suddenly that I couldn’t even process it, let alone record it,” she wrote in her post. When it happened again, she said she confronted the rider, telling him, “Bhaiya, kya kar rahe ho, mat karo (What are you doing? Don’t do this),” but he allegedly ignored her.
Too Scared to Stop Midway
The woman explained that she was new to Bengaluru and didn’t know the route, which made her afraid to stop the ride midway. “I was terrified — I didn’t know where I was or how to get back safely,” she wrote.
“Bhaiya, Kya Kar Rahe Ho…?” In a post on Instagram, the woman shared the ordeal. “While returning to my PG (Paying Guest) from Church Street on a Rapido ride, the captain (rider) tried to grab my legs while riding.” “It happened so suddenly that I couldn’t even process it, let alone record it. When he did it again, I told him, “Bhaiya, kya kar rahe ho, mat karo.” (What are you doing? Don’t do this…) but he didn’t stop.”
“When I told him, he confronted the captain. The captain apologised and said he wouldn’t do it again – but as he left, he pointed his finger at me in a way that made me feel even more unsafe,” the woman said.
“I’m sharing this because no woman should have to go through something like this – not in a cab, not on a bike, not anywhere. This is not the first time something similar has happened to me. But today I just couldn’t stay silent because of how unsafe I felt,” she further said in the Instagram post.
When the ride finally ended, a passerby noticed her distress and intervened. “The man confronted the rider, who apologised but later pointed his finger at me in a way that made me feel even more unsafe,” she added.
Social Media Post Triggers Police Action
The woman’s detailed post quickly went viral, drawing thousands of reactions and prompting an immediate response from both Bengaluru Police and Rapido. The Wilson Garden Police registered an FIR against the accused rider, identified as Lokesh, and have launched an investigation.
The Bengaluru City Police also commented directly under her post, asking her to share her contact information and location details for formal action.
Rapido Responds, Promises Full Investigation
In an official statement, Rapido expressed concern over the allegations, saying, “We are deeply disturbed to learn about the captain’s inappropriate conduct. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. Please allow us some time to investigate this matter thoroughly.”
Following the FIR, the woman shared an update thanking both the police and the Rapido team. “I have been proven right because they checked the footage. I’m grateful for the support and for being heard,” she said in her latest Instagram post.
Renewed Calls for Women’s Safety
The case has reignited debate over women’s safety in app-based ride services. Many users have called for stricter driver screening, emergency support features, and mandatory cameras in two-wheeler taxis.
The incident adds to a growing list of harassment complaints in urban India, underscoring the urgent need for stronger safety measures for women using ride-hailing platforms.
Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!
App Store – https://apps.apple.com/in/
Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/