Cab driver accused of insulting Kannada language; complaint filed at Girinagar Police Station

Anchor and Janapada (folk) singer Divya Alur on Friday filed a complaint at the Girinagar Police Station against a cab driver for allegedly insulting the Kannada language and hurting the sentiments of Kannada-speaking people.

According to the complaint, Ms. Divya had booked a ride via an app-based cab aggregator on the night of March 26. The accused driver arrived and allegedly made derogatory remarks about the Kannada language and questioned its relevance in Bengaluru.

The complainant stated that the driver mocked her for speaking in Kannada and made offensive comments suggesting that Kannada was not widely used in the city.

He also allegedly belittled Kannada speakers and made statements that hurt regional sentiments.

Ms. Divya further alleged that the driver behaved in a disrespectful and abusive manner during the ride, causing her mental distress and even dared her to “complain to anyone she wants”.

She recorded the entire incident on her mobile and uploaded it on social media before approaching the police.

She urged the police to take strict legal action against the driver and also requested the cab aggregator’s authorities to initiate disciplinary measures.

The police have acknowledged the complaint and are expected to verify the details, including the driver’s identity and the ride history. Further investigation is under way.