There was a recent shocking Bengaluru Airport taxi incident, which has seriously brought into question the safety of passengers who are travelling in airport taxis. According to a post on LinkedIn by Mrinali Priyadarshni, her 18-year-old brother was extorted and threatened at midnight by a taxi driver. The incident has triggered public outrage on social media against passenger safety and police response in such a scenario.
Bengaluru Airport Taxi Incident: A Midnight Drive That Went Wrong
Mrinali Priyadarshni in the post stated that her younger brother arrived at Bangalore International Airport at midnight and attempted to hire a cab via ride-hailing services such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido but was unsuccessful.
Having no other option, he took an airport taxi for his journey to Yelahanka for ₹800, as quoted on the Rapido app.
But something terrifying happened shortly after he boarded the taxi. The driver initially asked whether he was a local resident and then purposefully drove through a longer route. Halfway, in a secluded place, he pulled over, got down, and began threatening him. The driver asked for ₹3,000 and threatened to take him to his ‘friends’, who would ill-treat him if he did not provide the money.
The young tourist went to two police patrolmen in the area and immediately requested help. He told them what happened, hoping for protection. To his amazement, however, the officers did nothing.
Rather than making arrangements for his security, they informed him that the driver had no authority to charge ₹3,000 and asked him to accompany the driver to the police station so that the matter could be sorted out. When he expressed his fear and asked to go with the police instead, the officers simply left him alone with the driver.
Eventually, the driver extorted ₹3,000 from him after dropping him at his destination. He is fine now but remains traumatised by what had occurred. The incident has provoked outrage on social media, with reference to safety issues among passengers and the police’s role in such incidents.
Social Media Responses And Public Outrage
The horrific incident has evoked anger on LinkedIn, with people condemning the same and expressing concern about the absence of safety for passengers in Bengaluru.
A user commented, ‘This is beyond horrific! How can the police just leave a young boy with a man who threatened him? Where is the accountability?’
Another said, ‘Bengaluru needs some serious reforms in the taxi system and police. If this can occur to an 18-year-old, then anything can happen!’
Bengaluru, a city reputed for its advancement, should also look to protect its inhabitants and visitors who live and travel here. It is now time for firmer action, improved regulation, and a police force that truly cares for its citizens.
How many more of these incidents will it take before actual change occurs?
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (For Representation) & @Mrinali Priyadarshni/LinkedIn
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