Phone-use warning turns violent as journalist alleges Rapido driver assaulted him with a rod | VIDEO

A journalist has alleged that he was attacked with a metal rod by a Rapido driver after objecting to the driver taking a phone call while steering the vehicle. The incident was recorded on video and shared online, prompting a wave of concern over passenger safety on app-based platforms. 

The exact location has not been confirmed, but the vehicle number visible in the footage suggests the car is registered in Faridabad, Haryana.

Safety objection sparks confrontation

The journalist said the trouble began when he asked the driver to stop holding his phone to his ear and to keep both hands on the wheel, insisting the instruction was made purely on safety grounds. He claimed that moments earlier, the vehicle had nearly collided with a motorcyclist.

According to him, the exchange suddenly escalated, leading to the alleged physical assault.

Video shows driver holding rod

The video clip shows a tense roadside scene, with a man identified as the Rapido driver walking towards the person filming while carrying a rod. Bystanders can be heard questioning what led to the situation. ”

The remarks suggest the vehicle had been halted in the middle of the road, causing congestion. At one point, a witness asks, “Maar kyu raha hai usko? Tere paise mil jayenge kya?” (Why are you hitting him? Will you get money for this?)

The driver is seen getting back into the vehicle, then later lifting the rod again before people urge him to clear the obstruction. The clip ends with the car moving away.

Journalist’s claims against Rapido

Posting the footage, the journalist wrote, “Rapido driver assaulted with rod. Reason: I asked him to stop holding his phone to his ear in a call and put both hands on the steering wheel. Before this he’d already nearly hit a motorcycle.”

He also criticised the company’s response, adding, “The real shocking thing is that there has been no response from Rapido for two days. It seems he is still on their platform. Be careful while taking Rapido please. It’s a tiny bit cheaper than Uber but you might be risking your safety.”

Users raise safety alarms online

Comments posted under the video featured a mix of anger and personal accounts. One viewer wrote, “What this driver is doing is unacceptable; strict action is necessary.”

Another claimed, “Stopped using Rapido after a similar experience.”

Others blamed a wider pattern of distracted driving: “This is a driver issue… irrespective of the platform. They watch reels or are constantly on the phone while driving risking passenger safety.”

Another said, “I have stopped using Rapido myself. Most of their drivers are ill-mannered. Be it bikes, auto or taxi.”

It remains unclear whether any police complaint has been filed or if the driver faces disciplinary action, and Rapido had not issued any response at the time of publishing this article.