Bengaluru auto driver denies slapping woman passenger, expresses regret
Bengaluru: Autorickshaw driver Mutturaj R, aged 47, was arrested by the Magadi Road police for allegedly slapping a woman passenger after she canceled her ride. He was released on bail six days later and has expressed regret and shame for his behavior, although he denied the assault allegations.
Mutturaj, a resident of Chikkalasandra, operates a rented auto to support his family. The incident occurred on September 3 after he accepted a ride request through the Ola app. Upon reaching the pickup point in Rajajinagar, he found that the passenger had canceled the ride and was boarding another autorickshaw. Frustrated by the situation, Mutturaj confronted the woman. According to him, he only attempted to snatch her mobile phone, suspecting she was calling the police, but he insists he did not slap her.
The incident was captured on video by the woman and went viral on social media, leading to Mutturaj's arrest on September 5. He was sent to prison the following day.
In a statement, Mutturaj expressed deep regret, saying he felt ashamed after seeing the video at the police station. He admitted to using abusive language but denied any physical assault, stating, “Hang me to death if she or the police prove I assaulted her.”
The Peace Auto & Cab Drivers Association assisted Mutturaj in securing bail, with drivers contributing Rs 33,000 for legal expenses. The association also plans to approach Ola and other aggregators to request the unblocking of Mutturaj’s account and to speak with RTO officials to prevent the cancellation of his driving license.
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GT buy Washington Sundar for Rs 3.20 crore; Prithvi Shaw, Shardul Thakur go unsold
Jeddah, Nov 25: Flamboyant Indian opener Prithvi Shaw and seam-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur failed to find any takers but Washington Sundar was bought by Gujarat Titans for Rs 3.20 crore on the second day of the IPL mega auction here on Monday.
Also going unsold were New Zealand batting stars Kane Williamson and Glenn Phillips.
South African veteran Faf du Plessis and West Indies' Rovman Powell were bought for Rs two crore and Rs 1.50 crore by Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders respectively, but seasoned India batter Ajinkya Rahane went unsold.
The unsold players can find buyers later in the day during the accelerated auction if their names are given by the franchises.
