‘She Hit Me First’ Rapido Driver Arrested After Video Shows Rapido Driver Slapping Woman in Bengaluru

A Rapido bike taxi driver has been arrested in Bengaluru after a video showing him slapping a female passenger with such force that she fell to the ground went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage. While the woman alleged the assault began after she confronted him for rash driving, the driver has claimed she hit him first.

The incident, which took place in the city’s Jayanagar locality three days ago, was captured by a passerby. The video shows a heated argument between the driver and the woman, surrounded by several bystanders, before he strikes her.

Following the incident, the woman approached the Jayanagar Police Station and filed a complaint. Based on her statement, police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the driver, identified as Suhas, and took him into custody for further investigation. He has been booked under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including for assault and uttering obscene words in public.

According to the FIR, the woman had booked a Rapido ride from BTM Layout to Jayanagar. She alleged that the driver drove recklessly and did not follow traffic rules. When she protested, he allegedly abused her with obscene language before physically assaulting her in public. Police sources said the woman was initially hesitant to file a complaint but was persuaded by friends after the video surfaced online.

The accused driver, Suhas, has presented a different version of events. He claimed the passenger was “speaking rudely from the beginning” and questioned his driving ability. He alleged that after he stopped near her destination, she raised her voice and hit him with a tiffin box. “I know we shouldn’t hit women. But after she hit me twice and shouted, I hit her once,” he claimed. Suhas also admitted to telling her to “go back to your state,” but clarified that his English was limited.