‘All aggregator apps banned me…’: Bengaluru auto driver who allegedly abused women released from jail

The Bengaluru auto driver further said that all the aggregator apps had banned him from boarding them and that he received threatening calls.

Updated on: Sep 16, 2024, 09:34:32 IST

By HT News Desk

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Bengaluru auto driver who was arrested earlier for allegedly slapping a woman passenger was released from police custody on Saturday. He claimed that he did not slap the woman and only grabbed her phone to stop her from calling the police.

‘All aggregator apps banned me…’: Bengaluru auto driver who allegedly abused women released from jail

Also Read - Bengaluru auto driver arrested for abusing women gets crowd-funding support to cover ₹30,000 fine

Speaking to a YouTube channel called Auto Ratha Saradhi, auto driver Muthuraj said, “I accept my mistake as I should not have grabbed her phone. But I did not slap the woman as she claimed in the video and I only grabbed the phone to stop her calling the cops. It happened in a spur of the moment.”

The driver further said that all the aggregator apps had banned him from boarding them and that he received threatening calls. “Soon after the incident happened, all aggregator apps like Ola and Uber blocked me. I received calls from unknown people who said they would finish me. What I had done was a mistake, and I am facing legal challenges for it, but people should understand how tough the life of auto drivers becomes if they do not meet their daily targets,” he added.

Also Read - ‘Ruk, chal station’: Bengaluru auto driver snatches woman's phone for cancelling ride. Video

Muthuraj also thanked those who helped him cover his legal expenses by sending him money. “I received financial support from a lot of people and I thank them for understanding my side of the story. As a common man, I have no idea how to proceed with the legal troubles. I will meet the auto unions and see what can be done in my capacity,” he added.

Earlier this month, a woman passenger complained that she was slapped by an auto driver for cancelling the ride. She also put out a video where the auto driver was seen abusing her for booking two autos at a time and cancelling one. Bengaluru police arrested the auto driver immediately and asked people to dial 112 during such situations.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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