Madikeri: A Bengaluru tourist alleged he was overcharged and mistreated by a jeep driver during a trip to Mandalpatti in Madikeri. In a viral social media post, the tourist posted his grievances and alerted other tourists.The tourist, Ankit, said his family was quoted Rs 4,000 for an approximately 24 km ride from the designated jeep stand near the KSRTC bus stand, despite authorities fixing the fare at Rs 2,500. He claimed the driver refused to comply with the authorities’ directive, and the family agreed to pay Rs 4,000 as there was no other alternative for them. The family visited the spot on Dec 26. Ankit further alleged the driver collected an additional Rs 500 at the Mandalpatti checkpost as entry fee and behaved rudely with his family after they returned about 10 minutes late from the peak. He shared a video on social media describing the incident, and warning other tourists to be cautious. He also urged authorities to act against such violations.As the video went viral, Mandalpatti Jeep Drivers’ and Owners Association stated that the accused driver refunded the extra amount to Ankit’s account. Madikeri traffic police inspected the jeep stand. Police have enquired with the driver, and further investigation is under way. Superintendent of police P Bindu Mani said a meeting will be held with jeep drivers in the presence of RTO officers.
