Bengaluru, Nov 24 (NationPress) On Monday, hundreds of cab drivers organized a significant protest outside Uber’s headquarters in Bommanahalli, Bengaluru, voicing allegations against the company for discrimination, work denial, and predatory surge pricing.

The drivers claimed that local Kannadiga drivers were being blocked from receiving ride requests, while drivers from Bangladesh and other states—some allegedly lacking valid licenses—were favored.

The demonstration, led by the Bharat Transport Association, escalated rapidly, forcing police to intervene with a lathi-charge and detain several participants. A platoon from the Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) was deployed to maintain order.

As the crowd converged on the office, Uber employees locked the doors. Protesters accused the company of assigning rides to outstation drivers and vehicles owned by Uber, neglecting those associated with the platform.

Many drivers expressed their grievances, revealing that they had invested substantial amounts into their vehicles based on Uber’s promises, only to find themselves struggling to meet EMIs or handle household expenses due to a lack of ride bookings.

“Without trips, we cannot pay our EMIs or manage household expenses. We trusted the company and invested our money, but now we have no work,” lamented a protesting driver.

Protesters further charged Uber with infringing upon Karnataka's ‘One City, One Fare’ policy by imposing double fares on passengers during peak hours, rain, or high-demand situations, despite numerous complaints to police and transport authorities.

Tensions escalated when Uber staff secured the office doors, leading police to attempt entry with an iron rod. When access was finally granted, Uber employees reportedly exited through a rear exit. Senior police officials later met with Uber representatives, who stated that senior management was en route to engage with the drivers.

Nevertheless, protesters remained adamant about not dispersing until they could speak directly with senior officials. As the standoff prolonged, additional police forces were summoned, resulting in another round of lathi-charge, leading to further detentions of drivers.

An official response from Uber regarding the incident is pending.