Bengaluru techie’s weekend gig turns risky.

Software engineer moonlighting as Rapido driver faces assault, raising concerns about gig worker safety.

In Bengaluru, a young software engineer’s attempt to clear his credit card debt by driving for Rapido on weekends took a disturbing turn when a passenger’s friend assaulted him. His experience sheds light on the challenges faced by gig workers who depend on ride-hailing platforms for their livelihood.

The tech professional explained that despite having a stable job, recent expenses had left him with mounting bills. To manage repayments, he decided to sign up as a Rapido captain. Riding bikes was already a hobby, and with weekends free, he thought this would be a practical way to earn extra money while enjoying something he loved. For several days, the plan worked smoothly, he completed around 20 rides without incident.

However, one ride request changed everything. Upon reaching the pickup location, the customer appeared with a drunk companion who began shouting aggressively, demanding that the ride be canceled. The driver calmly requested that the customer cancel the booking instead, since cancellations by captains often lead to penalties. The customer tried to reason with his intoxicated friend, but the situation escalated. The drunk man struck the driver’s helmet, cracking its visor. Shocked but unwilling to argue, the techie left the scene immediately.

Reflecting on the incident, he shared his story online, emphasizing that while he could choose to stop driving Rapido anytime, many others do not have that luxury. For thousands of gig workers, platforms like Rapido, Uber, and Blinkit are their primary source of income. These workers often face drunk or abusive passengers, sudden cancellations, unsafe conditions, and damage to their vehicles, all while earning just enough to get by.

His account highlights the vulnerability of gig workers in India’s booming app-based economy. While flexible schedules and easy entry make such jobs appealing, the lack of safety measures and protections leaves workers exposed to risks. For someone with a full-time job, the incident was a wake-up call; for those who rely entirely on gig work, it is a daily reality.

The techie’s experience serves as a reminder to treat gig workers with respect and empathy. Behind every ride request is a person navigating financial pressures, unpredictable customers, and unsafe environments, all in pursuit of a livelihood.