Bengaluru man confronts passenger smoking inside auto, police respond. Videos

The biker rebuked the auto driver for allowing the passenger to smoke in the vehicle. (Image: screengrabs from videos @sheikhenfield/X)

A recent altercation between an autorickshaw passenger and a biker from the Bengaluru streets has underscored the persistent issue of smoking in moving vehicles, reigniting concerns over public safety. What began as a routine commute turned into a heated exchange between the two commuters and the auto driver over a lit cigarette that the biker claimed touched his leg.

The incident, which unfolded in JP Nagar 5th phase on Sunday at 6pm, captured on video and shared widely on social media, depicts the confrontation between the two parties.

According to the biker, the altercation ensued when the auto passenger, cigarette in hand, allegedly brushed against his leg as the three-wheeler passed his two-wheeler. This seemingly trivial incident escalated as the biker halted the auto to confront the passenger for what he perceived as a reckless act.

The auto passenger defended his actions, asserting his right to smoke within the confines of his hired vehicle. "What problem do you have if I smoke in my vehicle?" the passenger retorted.

The biker also rebuked the auto driver for allowing the passenger to smoke in the vehicle.

“You have tried to almost crash me and later moved to the side. You should have told the guy inside to not to smoke inside the vehicle, but instead you are supporting him and tried to crash your vehicle on my bike,” he told the auto driver in Kannada.

The biker shared two videos of the altercation on X that quickly went viral and garnered the city police’s attention as well.

“This passenger in auto was chilling out smoking in public while his hand was out of the auto which touch my leg while the auto driver passed by me. When questioned I was pushed aside almost crashed me to footpath,” the man wrote in a tweet sharing two videos.

5:59pm 7th Apr - Jp nagar 5th phase
This passenger in auto was chilling out smoking in public while his hand was out of the auto which touch my leg while the auto driver passed by me.

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When questioned I was pushed aside almost crashed me to footpath. @BlrCityPolice pic.twitter.com/aXm0iHdSQa

— Sheikh moin (@sheikhenfield) April 7, 2024

“Offender claims to have spoken to Bengaluru Police and provided my details. Not sure if it isn’t clear to this person that it’s illegal to smoke in public and create nuisance,” he added.

Bengaluru Police informed in comments that officers have been notified of the case. The auto’s registration number was also shared by the X user.

Despite the clear violation of laws prohibiting smoking in public and vehicles, the incident shows a blatant disregard for safety norms and rules. Smoking in public is punishable in Bengaluru and individuals violating the rule can incur fines.