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The woman claimed that the autorickshaw had hit her vehicle, but the driver repeatedly denied the allegation, saying, “You can check the CCTV footage. I didn’t even touch your vehicle.
BENGALURU: A 28-year-old woman from Bihar was arrested on Sunday for allegedly assaulting an autorickshaw driver with her slipper following a minor collision.
The incident occurred on Bellandur Central Mall Road on Saturday afternoon. She was later released on station bail. The auto drivers’ union in the city condemned the woman’s action.
The accused was identified as Pankhuri Mishra. She is working for an IT firm and staying at a paying guest accommodation on Bellandur Road. A video of the incident shows the woman assaulting the auto driver after a traffic dispute.
She claimed that the autorickshaw had hit her vehicle, but the driver repeatedly denied the allegation, saying, “You can check the CCTV footage. I didn’t even touch your vehicle.” The argument escalated when the woman removed her slipper and began hitting the driver multiple times. In the video, she is heard saying, “Make a video! Do whatever you can.” Bystanders later intervened and questioned her for the assault.
According to the police, based on a complaint filed by auto driver Lokesh, a resident of Dodda Somanahalli, Pankhuri was summoned for questioning on Sunday morning and was arrested. During interrogation, she claimed that she was pregnant and that the auto had collided with her scooter, leading to the confrontation. The police added that sudden provocation led her to assault and abuse the driver. She was booked under various sections of the BNS and later released on station bail on Sunday.
Various auto unions and pro-Kannada outfits condemned the woman’s action. Some groups even staged protests outside the police station, demanding strict action and calling for her expulsion from the city.
In a disturbing incident that has garnered widespread attention, a 28-year-old woman from Bihar was arrested in Bengaluru for assaulting an auto rickshaw driver with her slipper. The altercation, which occurred on May 31, 2025, in the Bellandur area, was captured on video and quickly went viral on social media platforms, sparking public outrage.
According to the police, the woman, identified as Pankhuri Mishra, was involved in a confrontation with the auto driver around 3:30 PM. The exact cause of the dispute remains unclear, but the video footage shows Mishra physically attacking the driver with her slipper. The incident was reported to the authorities, leading to Mishra’s arrest on June 1. She was later released on station bail after providing her statement to the police.
The viral video elicited strong reactions from the public, with many condemning the woman’s actions as an example of road rage and disrespect towards service providers. In response to the backlash, Mishra issued a public apology, expressing regret for her behavior and stating that the incident was a result of a momentary lapse in judgment. She also apologized to the auto driver and his family for any distress caused.
Following the incident, the auto driver filed a formal complaint with the police. The authorities are investigating the matter to determine the appropriate legal actions. While Mishra has been released on bail, the case highlights the need for greater accountability and decorum in public interactions.
This incident adds to a series of similar occurrences in Bengaluru, where disputes between passengers and auto rickshaw drivers have led to public altercations. In 2024, an auto driver was arrested for slapping a woman passenger after she canceled a ride, leading to widespread criticism and legal repercussions.
The recurrence of such incidents underscores the importance of promoting respectful behavior and conflict resolution in public spaces. Authorities are urged to take proactive measures to address these issues and ensure the safety and dignity of all individuals involved.
For now, the case remains under investigation, and both parties await further legal proceedings.
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