Even after the Karnataka High Court ruled in favour of bike taxis, riders on the streets continue to face hostility and intimidation.
The court’s decision, delivered on January 23, was welcomed by bike taxi platforms, riders, and daily commuters who saw it as a win for affordable mobility.
Bike Taxi Riders Face Continued Harassment Despite Karnataka High Court Clearance
In contrast, autorickshaw unions reacted sharply against the ruling and have continued to resist the presence of bike taxis.
According to riders, the situation on the ground has worsened since the earlier ban on bike taxis was lifted.
Balaji Venkat, a 58-year-old bike taxi rider, said that aggression from auto drivers has increased rather than subsided after the court verdict.
Describing his experience, he said, “They hurl all sorts of vile abuses at us, but it doesn’t just end there. The auto drivers have no fear of the law, and they come to attack us physically.”
He recalled being attacked by a group of auto drivers while he was alone and said he had to dial 112 to seek emergency help.
Following the incident, he chose not to retaliate and instead advised fellow riders to contact the police immediately rather than engaging in confrontations.
Bike Taxi Rider Alleges Unprovoked Abuse by Cab Driver Near Residency Road
Another bike taxi rider narrated a separate incident involving a cab driver near Residency Road.
The rider said the cab driver verbally abused both him and the passenger without any provocation.
The cab driver also attempted to pressure the passenger into cancelling the ride.
The situation ended only after the rider warned that he would call the police, prompting the cab driver to leave the spot.
Riders reported that such incidents are now frequent, particularly in and around the Majestic area of Bengaluru.
Namma Bike Taxi Association president Mohammed Salim said harassment of bike taxi riders in Majestic has become organised and systematic.
He alleged that a group of auto drivers in the area deliberately books bike taxi rides and then targets riders once they arrive.
According to him, these groups gang up on riders and subject them to verbal abuse, threats, and physical intimidation.
He stated, “In the past week, I have received at least 30 complaints of verbal and physical harassment from riders.”
Salim also said that auto drivers are actively spreading misinformation about bike taxi services.
He claimed they are circulating false narratives suggesting that bike taxis are unsafe.
He further alleged that auto drivers are linking bike taxis with serious crimes such as rape and sexual assault to frighten potential users.
Summing up the situation, he said, “They’re trying to scare away commuters.”
