Passenger assaults bike-taxi rider after helmet request
Times of India | 23 May 2025
Kolkata: An app bike taxi rider, Surajit Bag, was allegedly assaulted by a passenger for being asked to wear a helmet on Wednesday night in the Sonarpur area, highlighting growing concerns about driver safety in ride-sharing services.Bag, reported that he received a pickup request around 9:37 pm from Rajpur near Sonarpur. The incident occurred when Bag requested the passenger to wear a helmet for safety compliance, a standard requirement for bike taxi services.According to Bag's statement, the passenger became aggressive, physically assaulted him, and damaged his helmet visor. Despite the altercation, Bag completed the journey, dropping the passenger at Eastern Metropolitan Bypass near Surrey Park, Santoshpur, at approximately 10 PM before being admitted to the hospital. "I was only following safety protocols when I asked him to wear a helmet, his violent response was completely unexpected and unwarranted," said Bag.Local police authorities registered a complaint and initiated an investigation into the matter. A spokesperson for the app bike stated that they are cooperating with law enforcement and reviewing the incident. The bike taxi association has called for enhanced security measures and stricter passenger verification processes. Police officials urge witnesses to come forward and assist with the investigation.