Bengaluru, June 2, 2025 — A woman originally from Bihar was taken into custody over the weekend after a video of her physically assaulting an autorickshaw driver with her slipper surfaced online, prompting a wave of criticism and street protests in Bengaluru.
The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon in the Bellandur area, where the woman, identified as Pankhuri Mishra, a 28-year-old software engineer, and her husband were traveling on a two-wheeler. According to police sources, a minor road incident involving their vehicle and an autorickshaw driven by a local resident, Lokesh, led to a heated exchange.
Video footage shows Mishra confronting Lokesh and repeatedly hitting him with her slipper while he filmed the interaction. Despite the physical attack, Lokesh remained calm and did not retaliate. He later approached the Bellandur police station to file a formal complaint.
Following his complaint, Mishra was booked under applicable sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and released on station bail after giving her statement. During police questioning, she alleged that the autorickshaw had run over her foot, prompting her reaction. Lokesh denied the accusation, urging authorities to review nearby surveillance footage to verify the sequence of events.
The video quickly went viral across social media platforms, drawing sharp responses from the public. Several pro-Kannada organizations and auto drivers’ unions staged demonstrations outside the police station, demanding legal action and expressing concern over the safety and dignity of transport workers in the city.
In a surprising turn of events, Mishra and her husband later issued a public apology. Another video emerged showing the couple visiting Lokesh and touching his feet as a symbolic gesture of remorse. In her statement to the media, Mishra explained that she reacted emotionally out of fear for her unborn child, as she is currently pregnant. She expressed regret over her behavior and stated that she holds no ill will toward the local community.
The incident has stirred widespread discussion online about public decorum, the responsibilities of both citizens and law enforcement in maintaining order, and the role of viral videos in influencing public opinion. While some supported Mishra’s apology, others questioned whether public humiliation was an appropriate resolution.
Local authorities have requested the public to avoid spreading unverified claims and allow the legal process to unfold. The police are also reviewing CCTV footage from the vicinity to confirm the details of the altercation.
This episode has once again brought attention to the challenges faced in managing interpersonal conflicts in urban spaces, particularly involving residents from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. As Bengaluru continues to grow as a hub for migrants and professionals, mutual respect and effective conflict resolution remain essential to maintaining social harmony.
