Police register FIR in Bengaluru after woman alleges cab driver misbehaved over kombucha misunderstanding
Bengaluru police have registered an FIR against an Uber cab driver after a woman alleged that he misbehaved with her during a ride, mistaking her kombucha drink for alcohol. The incident, reported under Ashoknagar police limits, has raised renewed concerns over women’s safety in app-based cab services in the city.
Bengaluru: A disturbing incident involving a cab ride in Bengaluru has sparked fresh concerns over women’s safety in app-based transport services. Police have registered an FIR against a 60-year-old Uber driver after a woman passenger alleged that he misbehaved with her during a journey, allegedly mistaking her kombucha drink for beer.
The incident reportedly took place under the jurisdiction of the Ashoknagar police station, and an investigation is currently underway based on the victim’s complaint.
Bengaluru Uber Cab Incident Triggers Safety Concerns
According to the complaint, the woman had booked an Uber cab on the night of June 21 to return home after visiting a restaurant in Koramangala. During the ride, when the vehicle reached near the Indian Christian Cemetery area, she reportedly attempted to drink kombucha, a fermented health beverage she was carrying.
At this point, the driver, identified as Parameshwar, allegedly mistook the drink for alcohol and confronted her, leading to an argument inside the vehicle.
Bengaluru Uber Cab: Woman Alleges Driver Misbehaviour During Ride
The situation escalated inside the moving vehicle, with the woman alleging that the driver behaved aggressively and refused to stop the cab despite repeated requests. Fearing for her safety, she reportedly attempted to open the door of the moving vehicle.
According to the complaint, the driver allegedly grabbed her hand and forced her back into the vehicle during the altercation. The woman later managed to escape from the cab and fled the scene, after which the driver reportedly left the location with the vehicle.
“The driver pulled my hand and forced me back into the car. I was scared for my safety,” the woman stated in her complaint.
Following the incident, the woman approached the police, based on which an FIR has been registered and further investigation is underway.
Police Investigation Underway in Ashoknagar Jurisdiction
Police officials confirmed that the case has been taken up under the Ashoknagar police station limits and are currently examining the sequence of events. Statements from both parties and relevant digital ride data are expected to be reviewed as part of the investigation.
The incident has intensified public debate over passenger safety in cab aggregator services, especially for women travelling alone during late hours.
Separate Incident Highlights Repeat Safety Concerns in Bengaluru
In a separate case reported recently, Bengaluru police arrested a 42-year-old cab driver for allegedly assaulting a 27-year-old woman from Assam. The victim, who worked as a domestic helper in the city, had booked a cab from Narayanapura to travel to her hometown.
Police said the driver allegedly diverted the vehicle to a deserted area near Avalahalli between 12:30 am and 1:40 am, where the assault reportedly took place. The accused, a resident of Shantinagar originally from Ballari, has been taken into custody.
These back-to-back incidents have renewed concerns over passenger safety and monitoring mechanisms in app-based transport services in Bengaluru.
