Rapido Suspends Auto Driver Following Woman Journalist's Complaint, FIR Filed at East Agartala Women's PS, Fresh Allegations of Passenger Harassment at Airport
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, November 12, 2026
Rapido has suspended an autorickshaw driver, identified as Bishwajit Sharma, from its platform following allegations of molestation, physical assault and intimidation involving a woman journalist in Agartala on November 10. However, despite the registration of an FIR at the East Agartala Women's Police Station on Thursday, the accused driver has reportedly not been arrested by the police so far.
The development has triggered renewed concerns over women's safety, passenger harassment and the alleged unchecked behaviour of certain autorickshaw operators in Agartala, particularly in the airport area.
In an official communication sent through its customer support chat, Rapido's Escalation Desk confirmed that Bishwajit Sharma had been suspended from the Rapido platform in connection with the reported incident. The company informed the complainant, Punam, that appropriate action had been taken against the driver and that it would extend necessary cooperation to the concerned authorities in accordance with applicable legal procedures.
The communication also disclosed the vehicle registration number as TR01F2277 and mentioned Ticket ID 58500371. Rapido expressed regret over the distress caused by the incident and stated that the support ticket was being closed as resolved following its conversation with the complainant.
However, the company's decision to suspend the driver from its platform has not ended the matter. The woman journalist, Shreyashi Debnath, filed an FIR on November 12 at the East Agartala Women's Police Station, seeking legal action against those allegedly involved in the incident. Despite the FIR being lodged, the accused autorickshaw driver has reportedly not been arrested till the filing of this report.
The November 10 incident took place in the Bunkumari area of Agartala at approximately 10:30 pm when the woman journalist was returning home after completing her professional duties. According to reports, the autorickshaw driver, Bishwajit Sharma, allegedly intercepted her, misbehaved with her, touched her inappropriately, grabbed her hand and attempted to pull her.
When the journalist protested against the alleged misconduct, another person reportedly intervened. However, instead of helping the woman, the second individual allegedly threatened and physically assaulted her. The second accused has been identified as Abhijit Debnath, reportedly the owner of Jagabandhu Medical Hall in the Bunkumari area.
The woman journalist was subsequently rescued and taken to GBP Hospital for medical treatment. The incident sparked widespread concern among media professionals and women's rights advocates, as the victim was allegedly targeted while returning home after performing her professional responsibilities.
The Tripura Working Journalists Association (TWJA) and its Women's Cell strongly condemned the incident and demanded strict legal action against the accused. The association also expressed concern over the safety of women journalists and other media professionals who frequently have to work late hours and travel home after covering political developments, public events, crime and other important assignments.
The latest development has also brought the alleged misconduct of certain autorickshaw operators into renewed public discussion, particularly at Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport, where passengers have repeatedly raised complaints about transportation-related difficulties.
Several social media users have alleged that some autorickshaw drivers operating in and around the airport behave aggressively, demand excessive fares and create obstacles for passengers seeking alternative transportation services.
One passenger alleged that an autorickshaw driver demanded Rs 290 for travelling from Agartala airport to GBP Hospital, raising questions about the transparency and regulation of fares. The complaint has triggered criticism from passengers who believe that visitors arriving in Tripura should not be subjected to arbitrary fare demands or intimidation.
Another controversy has emerged over allegations that an Uber driver was obstructed from picking up passengers at the airport, resulting in tension between transport operators. The incident has raised questions about whether passengers arriving at the airport are free to choose their preferred transportation service or are being pressured to use particular modes of transport.
Social media reactions have been particularly critical of the alleged behaviour of some local autorickshaw drivers. Several users shared their personal experiences, claiming that passengers frequently face unnecessary arguments, excessive fare demands and difficulties while hiring autorickshaws in Agartala.
One social media user, claiming to be a resident of Tripura, stated that even as someone familiar with the state, he had repeatedly experienced inconvenience and harassment from certain autorickshaw drivers during visits to Agartala. Another commenter alleged that the same driver had earlier created a dispute over taking a woman passenger to Bishalgarh and had again become involved in controversy.
Some users also questioned the role of the police, alleging that the failure to take effective action against unruly operators was encouraging such behaviour. Others expressed concern about the experience of tourists, business visitors and people returning to Tripura from outside the state.
The controversy has also revived the debate over transportation arrangements at Agartala airport. As the principal aviation gateway to Tripura, Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport receives passengers from different parts of the country. Safe, affordable and hassle-free transportation is essential for residents as well as tourists and business visitors.
Allegations of excessive fares, obstruction of app-based transportation services and intimidation of passengers, if established, could seriously damage the image of Agartala as a tourist-friendly and investment-friendly destination.
The issue is not about the livelihood of autorickshaw drivers, thousands of whom depend on the transport sector. Rather, it concerns the alleged misconduct of certain operators and the need to ensure that no passenger is deprived of the freedom to choose a convenient, safe and reasonably priced mode of transportation.
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