Bengaluru, June 16 -- The Rapido bike taxi rider seen slapping a woman passenger in a viral video from Bengaluru has claimed he reacted after being assaulted first by the passenger.

The rider, identified as Suhas, was taken into custody after the video -- showing him slapping a woman -- sparked outrage on social media. The Bengaluru police later confirmed that the incident took place on June 13 and stemmed from an argument between the two.

As the police detained Suhas, new footage surfaced showing the woman allegedly hitting him first, supporting the claim made by the rider.

Speaking to ANI on Monday, Suhas said the woman verbally abused and physically assaulted him before he retaliated. "On June 13, the woman had booked a Rapido ride....