Hyderabad cab driver, aides assault passenger outside AIG Hospital over fare row

HYDERABAD:  34-year-old man from Uppal was allegedly assaulted outside AIG Hospital in Gachibowli on September 15 after he cancelled a cab ride when the driver demanded extra fare.

The Raidurgam police registered a case on Thursday following a complaint from the victim, Balaji, and launched a manhunt for the accused.

Passenger’s account

According to the complaint, Balaji had taken his niece for a medical check-up. Around 22.00 IST, he booked a Rapido ride home. The driver, identified as N Suresh, allegedly called him before arriving and demanded an additional payment over the app fare.

“I questioned the demand for extra money. An argument broke out between us and I cancelled the booking,” Balaji said in his complaint.

Minutes later, Suresh allegedly reached the hospital along with three associates. They intercepted Balaji, who was waiting for another cab, and confirmed his identity using the driver’s phone.

“One of them punched me in the stomach, while all four abused me in front of my niece. They forced me to kneel and touch their feet while filming the incident,” Balaji stated.

Video circulated online

The video later appeared on social media, portraying Balaji as a drunk passenger. “The video caused severe humiliation to me and my family. Please take action against the accused and have the video removed from online platforms,” the complaint read.

Police action

Raidurgam police registered a case against Suresh and others under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. “We are trying to locate the driver and arrest him. Efforts are also being made to get the video removed from different portals,” police said.