Belgorod taxi incident ends with assault and police investigation
In Belgorod, a taxi ride ended in violence when a driver used a bamboo stick to strike a passenger. The victim was taken to a hospital with a closed head injury, according to information from the district police department.
The police reported that the events unfolded after a nighttime call for a taxi, made by the victim and a companion. A dispute arose with the driver during the journey, and when the driver later pulled over at a bus stop, one of the passengers voiced his discontent as the driver left the scene.
In response, the driver retrieved bamboo sticks from the vehicle and assaulted the 37-year-old Belgorod resident before fleeing. Medical assessments indicated that the injuries were serious but not life-threatening, with the patient showing a minor overall health impact. Law enforcement later detained a 54-year-old man identified as the suspected taxi driver. A criminal case was opened under paragraph “c” of Part 2 of Article 115 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, which carries penalties including potential imprisonment. The driver was released after providing his statement to investigators.
In related news, a separate report from Ussuriysk described a taxi passenger striking the driver in the face after an argument, underscoring ongoing concerns about violence in on‑demand transportation services.
Authorities continue to review the Belgorod incident to determine the exact sequence of events and to ensure appropriate legal actions are taken. The case highlights the importance of safety protocols in taxi services and the need for clear conflict-resolution procedures during rides. Citations: Belgorod district police department reports, incident records, and subsequent official statements.