Bengaluru Tourist Alleges Overcharging, Rude Behaviour by Mandalpatti Jeep Driver in Kodagu

Jeeps navigate the rugged, road leading to Mandalpatti View Point near Madikeri. File Photo | Photo By: K. Bhagya Prakash

Madikeri: A tourist from Bengaluru has accused a jeep operator of charging beyond the prescribed rate and behaving discourteously during a visit to Mandalpatti near Madikeri, triggering widespread discussion after the complaint surfaced on social media.

In a post that quickly gained traction online, the tourist, identified as Ankit, recounted his family’s experience while travelling to the popular hilltop destination on December 26. According to him, the family was asked to pay ₹4,000 for a roughly 24-km journey from the authorised jeep parking area near the KSRTC bus stand. This, he said, was significantly higher than the officially approved fare of ₹2,500 fixed by the authorities.

According to the TOI report, Ankit alleged that despite pointing out the notified rate, the driver declined to adhere to it. With no other transport option available to access Mandalpatti, the family reluctantly agreed to the higher amount. He further claimed that an additional ₹500 was collected at the Mandalpatti checkpost in the name of an entry fee. The tourist also alleged that the driver acted rudely when the family returned about ten minutes later than the stipulated time from the viewpoint.

Sharing a video narrating the episode, Ankit cautioned fellow travellers to remain vigilant and appealed to the authorities to take firm action against such practices.

Following the video’s circulation, the Mandalpatti Jeep Drivers’ and Owners’ Association stated that the driver in question had returned the excess amount to Ankit’s bank account. Subsequently, Madikeri traffic police carried out an inspection at the jeep stand and questioned the driver involved. Superintendent of Police P. Bindu Mani said further enquiries are ongoing and added that a meeting involving jeep operators and Regional Transport Office officials would be convened to address the issue and prevent recurrence.

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