Bengaluru Police Take Strong Stand Against Auto Driver Harassment

In a decisive response to a surge in harassment and misconduct complaints against auto rickshaw drivers, Bengaluru traffic police have intensified their enforcement efforts across the city. This crackdown comes in the wake of increasing reports from passengers who have faced a range of alarming abuses while utilizing auto services.

In the first nine months of this year alone, Bengaluru’s traffic police stations have logged an astonishing 6,137 cases against auto drivers—an alarming rise compared to figures from the past three years. These complaints encompass a troubling array of violations, including refusal to transport passengers to their desired locations, inflated fare charges, and even thefts involving mobile phones and cash.

A senior traffic police official stated, “We’re witnessing a variety of violations, with drivers blocking passengers at auto stands and engaging in harassment.” This behavior has become particularly rampant at crowded auto stands, leading to significant distress for commuters.

A Pattern of Violence and Abuse

The situation escalated recently when two auto drivers were arrested by Govindrajnagar police after allegedly threatening passengers with knives and robbing them. During interrogation, the suspects confessed to having committed multiple similar crimes, revealing the alarming extent of the issue.

Social media has played a crucial role in amplifying awareness of these incidents. Over the past fortnight, videos of auto drivers verbally abusing female passengers have gone viral, prompting swift police action and arrests.

One particularly troubling case involved a woman visiting Bengaluru from Chennai. After her cab was delayed, she agreed to a fare of ₹300 for an auto ride. However, upon switching on the meter, the driver demanded ₹340 for the short distance. When she protested, the driver retaliated by demanding 1.5 times the meter rate and verbally assaulted her for refusing to comply.

Common Complaints from Passengers

Passengers have reported several recurring grievances regarding auto rickshaw services, including:

• Fare Manipulation: Many drivers exploit passengers at night, demanding double the meter fare.
• Refusal of Service: Instances of drivers refusing to take passengers to certain destinations, like Kathriguppe and Gangamma Circle, are frequent.
• Harassment at Transit Hubs: Major transit areas, such as Majestic, Jalahalli Cross, and 8th Mile Kengeri, have emerged as hotspots for driver misconduct, prompting heightened scrutiny from authorities.

In response to these disturbing trends, Bengaluru traffic police have expanded their operations to include round-the-clock patrols focused on curbing violations. “We’re consistently conducting operations to address these issues,” confirmed a police official. This increased presence is particularly targeted in areas with the highest volume of complaints, such as major transport hubs and residential neighborhoods.

Proactive Policing in Action

Police actions have shown a proactive stance against misconduct. For example, an incident involving an auto driver named Kiran from Yamalur led to his arrest by the HAL Police Station after he was caught spitting on a car driver during a dispute near Yamalur signal.

The intensified efforts by Bengaluru police to combat auto driver harassment highlight a growing recognition of the need to protect passengers and ensure the safety of transport services throughout the city. With a significant number of complaints being filed, the focus on stringent enforcement will be crucial in restoring trust in auto services and safeguarding passengers' rights.

As law enforcement continues to confront these issues directly, it is hoped that collaboration between the police and the community will foster a safer, more respectful environment for all commuters in Bengaluru. The ongoing operations send a clear message to drivers: misconduct will not be tolerated, and accountability measures are firmly in place.