In a stunning incident that raises issues about passenger security in Bengaluru, an 18-year-old boy was harassed and extorted by a cab driver after he booked an airport taxi from Kempegowda Worldwide Airport to his PG lodging in Yelahanka. Bengaluru Police are but to answer the matter, whereas airport authorities have acknowledged the incident and guaranteed an inside inquiry.
Bengaluru taxi driver extorts teen whereas on a visit from airport (Pic for illustration) (X/@mister_whistler)
Additionally Learn – Karnataka pushes for Bengaluru’s second airport, AAI to evaluate websites from April 7-9
Here’s what occurred
Th ordeal happened round 2 AM on Saturday when {the teenager}, struggling to ebook a cab by app-based companies like Ola, Uber, and Rapido, opted for an airport taxi as a substitute. The driving force initially agreed to the fare displayed on the Rapido app—roughly ₹800—however quickly after the journey started, issues took a darkish flip.
In line with the sufferer’s sibling, Mrinali Priyadarshini, who shared the harrowing expertise on social media, the driving force first inquired if {the teenager} was an area after which intentionally took an extended route. Instantly, in a abandoned space, the driving force stopped the car, stepped out, and started threatening the passenger, demanding ₹3,000 as a substitute of the agreed fare.
Additionally Learn – Bengaluru’s first downpour of 2025 sparks chaos: Flooded roads, flight diversions, and a tragic loss
“If you don’t pay, I will take you to my friends, and you’ll see what happens then,” the driving force allegedly stated, as per the sufferer’s sibling. {The teenager}, terrified and stranded, refused to conform and argued that he shouldn’t should pay additional. Determined for assist, he noticed two police patrol officers close by and sought help. Nevertheless, their response was removed from reassuring.
As a substitute of intervening, the policemen merely acknowledged that the driving force couldn’t overcharge and recommended that the sufferer accompany the driving force to a police station to resolve the problem, claimed Mrinali. {The teenager}, fearing for his security, pleaded to go along with the police as a substitute, however the officers left, leaving him alone with the very man who had threatened him.
With no assist from legislation enforcement, the sufferer in the end had no selection however to pay the extorted quantity of ₹3,000. The driving force then dropped him off at his vacation spot. Whereas bodily unhurt, {the teenager} stays deeply shaken by the incident, stated the Linkedin publish that went viral.
Bengaluru Metropolis Police have but to touch upon the matter, regardless of rising public outrage. In the meantime, Kempegowda Worldwide Airport authorities have acknowledged the incident and acknowledged that they’re wanting into the problem to make sure passenger security sooner or later.
The customers are calling for swift motion towards the driving force and stronger safeguards to forestall such incidents from occurring once more.