Cab driver refuses to return luggage over fare dispute at Bengaluru Airport

Woman files police complaint at Kempegowda International Airport after Rapido-booked cab driver allegedly demanded extra money and withheld her bag.

A serious dispute over cab fare led to a tense situation at Kempegowda International Airport, where a woman passenger filed a police complaint against a cab driver for refusing to return her luggage after she declined to pay extra money beyond the booking amount.

The incident occurred on February 21, 2026, when the woman travelled from Sarjapur to Kempegowda International Airport after booking a cab through the Rapido platform. According to the complaint, although the ride was booked at a fixed price, the driver demanded additional payment upon reaching the airport.

The woman alleged that when she refused to pay more than the fare shown in the app, the driver refused to hand over her luggage bag, leading to a heated argument. Left with no option, she approached the Kempegowda Airport Police Station, where a formal complaint was registered against the driver, identified as Nagesh.

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Based on the woman’s statement, the police registered a case and began inquiries into the matter.

Meanwhile, the driver has presented his version of events. Nagesh stated that the total travel distance was 55 kilometres and claimed that the applicable charge was ₹985 plus toll fee. He alleged that the fare shown on the Rapido app was lower than the government-approved rate.

The driver further claimed that he was operating a meter taxi, where fares are calculated strictly as per government regulations based on distance travelled. According to him, he merely asked the passenger to pay the legally applicable amount, but she refused. He stated that due to non-payment, he did not hand over the luggage and called the police himself.

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Nagesh also alleged that app-based cab aggregators are causing financial losses to drivers by displaying fares that do not match official meter rates. He said he is prepared to present his case before the court and fight legally if required.

Police officials confirmed that a complaint has been registered and that the matter is under investigation.