Location: Jayanagar, Bengaluru
A viral video from Bengaluru’s Jayanagar area has ignited a nationwide debate after a Rapido bike-taxi driver was caught on camera slapping a female passenger. While legacy media headlines rushed to label the woman a “victim,” emerging facts and eyewitness claims suggest there may be more to the story than initially reported.
What the Viral Clip Shows
The video, which quickly spread across social media platforms, shows a heated altercation between a woman and a Rapido driver. In the clip, the driver is seen slapping the woman during the dispute. Legacy media reports widely condemned the act without probing into the context.
What the Driver Claims
The driver, whose identity has not yet been made public, has shared his side of the story:
- The woman allegedly grabbed him by the collar during an argument.
- She reportedly hit him twice with her tiffin box.
- She questioned his education by asking, “Are you even educated?”
- She refused to return his helmet after ending the ride midway.
- When the driver suggested filing a police complaint, the woman refused to lodge an FIR, allegedly because she knew she had instigated the physical confrontation.
Despite these claims, the driver has faced public abuse and condemnation, largely due to the isolated slap being circulated without full context.
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Media Coverage: One-Sided?
Major outlets such as Times of India, Economic Times, and Navbharat Times ran headlines highlighting only the driver’s slap, neglecting to cover his account or provide context.
This type of legacy media bias contributes to a victim-villain narrative that may unfairly penalize men in public disputes, especially when video footage captures only a portion of the incident.
Legal & Social Context: Are Indian Laws Women-Biased?
India’s legal framework, especially around assault and harassment, is designed to protect vulnerable individuals. However, over the years, concerns have been raised about gender-biased application of these laws, particularly:
- In cases where men are physically assaulted but hesitate to report due to societal stigma.
- When media and public opinion prejudge men based on selective footage or narratives.
- When women refuse to file FIRs, potentially shielding themselves from investigation despite possible wrongdoing.
The driver in this case may have reacted wrongly by slapping—but if provoked and assaulted first, his side deserves equal scrutiny before judgment.
The Bigger Issue: Social Media Trials & Media Accountability
This case highlights two dangerous trends:
1. Instant public outrage without fact-checking, often driven by viral visuals.
2. Legacy media’s role in distorting narratives by cherry-picking details that align with existing gender tropes.
Balanced journalism demands that both sides be presented, especially when serious allegations like physical assault are involved. Without full information, public trials by media can ruin reputations and worsen gender divisions.
Final Word
While slapping anyone is not acceptable and legal action should be considered, the Rapido driver’s claims of provocation, insult, and assault cannot be ignored. If the woman indeed initiated the confrontation and refused to take legal recourse, the real victim may not be who the headlines suggest.
This incident is a reminder of why due process, unbiased journalism, and legal equality are essential—regardless of gender.
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