A woman from New Town, Kolkata, has reportedly been terminated from her job after a video of her verbally abusing an app-based bike rider during a dispute over a cancelled booking went viral on social media.

According to reports, the rider alleged that the woman had booked rides on two different apps simultaneously and later cancelled his booking after he had already travelled over 2 kilometres to pick her up.

Upset over the cancellation, he confronted her while recording the interaction on his phone.

The video captured the woman allegedly hurling abuses at the rider and as per reports she was allegedly threatening to file a rape case against him, despite there being no allegation of sexual assault in the dispute.

The clip quickly spread online, drawing widespread criticism.

As the video gained traction, the woman’s employer reportedly terminated her services, stating that her conduct could negatively impact the company’s reputation.

Reports also suggest that crowds later gathered outside her residence, prompting police intervention after she sought help. The woman subsequently apologised for her behaviour, claiming she lost her temper because she was running late for work.

While many continued to target her online, a growing section of social media has questioned the public vilification and her dismissal from work over an incident not related to her professional duties.

The incident has sparked a wider debate on public behaviour, the treatment of gig workers, social media backlash, and the consequences of making serious legal threats during personal disputes.

What are your views on this incident? Let us know in the comments.