Copyright timesnownews
Bengaluru: A 31-year-old cab driver has been arrested after allegedly assaulting a 19-year-old college student who questioned him for avoiding the toll route to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). The accused has been identified as Ajas PS, a native of Thrissur, Kerala, police said. The student, from West Bengal, is pursuing her graduation at a private university in Bengaluru. On October 20, she booked a cab via an online aggregator to reach KIA early in the morning for her flight home, as per a TOI report. During the ride, the driver allegedly skipped the toll road and took an alternative route. Around 6:30 am near Begur Junction, the student noticed the deviation and questioned him. When the driver failed to provide a satisfactory explanation, she asked him to stop the vehicle, pointing out that she had already paid the toll charges. Argument Escalates, Student Assaulted The disagreement escalated into a heated argument. The student exited the cab and booked another vehicle. As she was about to board the new cab, Ajas allegedly assaulted her. The teenager fled the scene, leaving her belongings behind, and raised the alarm. The driver managed to escape initially. KIA police registered a case under sections 115 (voluntarily causing hurt), 126 (wrongful restraint), and 351 (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Using trip details from the taxi aggregator, authorities tracked down Ajas. Preliminary investigations revealed that the driver had arrived in Bengaluru just two days prior and was working with a travel agency in Yeshwantpur. Police also noted that he had been partying the night before the incident and had accepted the airport booking under the influence of alcohol. Police have emphasised that strict action will be taken against drivers who endanger passengers or engage in violent behaviour. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant while using cab services and to immediately report any irregularities. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Bengaluru and around the world.
