What made me write something on this topic? Then here it is.
I would not be writing a blog if had not this news made the headings and it wouldn't even have crossed my mind if had not I come across this painful news.
I would not be writing a blog if had not this news made the headings and it wouldn't even have crossed my mind if had not I come across this painful news.
First news came on Dec 4 2012. I was not surprised when I read it all over the media, print as well as social, that Bangaluru (formerly Bangalore) has been declared as the Best City to live in, in a survey. But sometimes things happen just to prove other ones wrong! And it happened! Two days down the line after this 'good' news was published one more shameful act happened in Bangaluru. A North-East woman was groped by mob, harassed. Not just that, for her misfortune when she walked up to a traffic constable in a hope to get help, instead of police helping her, he harassed her and slapped her when she tried to catch hold of the person in guilt (in this case one who hit her car from rear and caused damage).
And when I read the complete story here, it was a deja-vu moment for me. Why shouldn't be?? The kind of same incident had happened with me and my family few months back. And when I think of the time I can imagine I was lucky enough to come out of the incident with not much trauma. This is what happened.
Me, my wife and my mother-in-law were off to visit a temple close to my house in Bangaluru. The temple was around one and half Km from the place I live in. We decided to get into a auto-rickshaw to the place. But to my very expectations, after talking to 6-7 auto drivers none of them were ready to go to the temple on meter. Few of them turned their head away as if I am asking them to take us to Mysore. Nothing surprising! We Bangalureans are very much used to it. But this time it was limit and it was already irritating me. In the process we had walked half the distance. And at one place which happens to be a major traffic signal we saw half dozens of autos parked. I talked to one of the auto driver. With no hesitation he asked for 40 Rs that too when I was speaking Kannada. This was worst it could get. Forty bucks for not even a Km!! I was done with bargaining after couple of requests. I came away from the site and started noting the the auto number on my mobile phone. This, I could not keep away from the sight of the same auto driver I had just spoken to. Seeing this he called me back and asked whether I was ready to pay 30 bucks. I straight away refused and offered 20 Rs (considering the distance to be traveled I thought it wouldn't even run for the minimum meter and it costs 18 Rs in Bangaluru for minimum auto ride). With no surprise he refused. I came aside and started doing what I was supposed to do. Now that's where the auto driver got irked and came charging onto me. He asked me what I was doing and tried grabbing my mobile phone. I retracted and pulled myself aside. He began to shout slang in Kannada and came dangerously on me. By this time I began to realize that he is drunk by the foul smell out of his mouth. My family was around and thought not to get involved with this drunkard. I began to walk away and this gave him a impression may be, that I am scared and running away (I was, actually). Then he attacked me and gave a thump on my chest. DONE! That's max I could hold on. I lost my cool (and conscious as well that I have my loved ones to care about) and gave him what he deserved. A tight SLAP. That was not to prove something but was a natural reaction to a physical abuse. He began to throw more slang. Hearing all this noise other auto drivers came together. They were 4 or 5 in number and without thinking for single moment they all surrounded me and started to beat me. My wife and mother-in-law tried to rescue me. But for my surprise none of the audience came to rescue me. My specs fell down in process. I was still grouped by them. It went for a minute. Then I realized I have my and mom-in-law as they were trying save me. I somehow managed to come out. But the damage was done. I was beaten and I could not find my glasses. I took my family aside for safety. The auto drivers were still hurling abuses at me. I was awestruck, not able to decide what to do next. I walked few meters away with my family. They were completely scared. My wife started crying. I saw two traffic police on the petrol bunk near signal. I thought of complaining but my family resisted to the idea thinking we are not getting involved anymore. To my surprise the traffic police didn't even bother to ask why my wife is crying. But decided to leave the place. I called up my friends in case we were chased. We got in another auto after walking away from the site of incident and reached the place. Got the Darshan and came home with friends on with my friend driving by our side.
The day had ended but it had taught me a big lesson: never negotiate with auto drivers. Since then I have been practicing this thing of not talking to a auto driver if he is not ready to run on meter. I keep on ignoring once refused. There is a system in place to complain about the auto drivers' ill-behaviors. I even had mugged up the auto number. But was doubtful about the system. I know I should have gone ahead with the complaint. But decided not to. They say, सिर सलामत तो पगडी पचास. That's what majority of us think.
That's it about my experience. But there would be hundreds of them have happened. Few of them have happened with my friends.
This is about what usually happens on road. But there are more things that big buck IT industry has brought to this city. I really big time admit that this is a beautiful city and was really wonderful city few years back. Not that it is not now But you have to watch your steps, then you are safe and happy.
As we all know Bangaluru is a IT hub. Most of them draw a six-digit salary. And thats where the catch is. Auto drivers feel its not a big deal for a normal guy in here to pay more than required and they consider their birth right to hype the charges. And if the person in question happens to be from outside Karnataka then their is no question of going with rules. I don't want to generalize things but this is what most of us come across. I am not from Karnataka and knew a different kind of Kannada. But I decided to learn it. And I am happy to learn it. But not every one know this language and they pay for it. Like in the case of this woman who went through this trauma, she was told she was not from here and hence was thrashed. This happens many times.
As I proceed to the end of this writing I want to sincerely mention that I have been here for last six years or so. This city has proved to be the best for me. Best atmosphere, cleanest of the cities I have been to. There are a lot more good memories attached with city including my first job and time I had with my friends. I would like to end this on this good note. This city is the best barring some incidents like in above news. This is not the fault of the city. These miscreants are all over, be it anywhere. But I am sure one will find many more good examples to counter them. But apart from this, the city of Gardens has a opportunity to prove it 'the best city' by bringing this cop and the roadies to the justice. That's one hope to end this writing.
Thanks,
Pramod
