India, July 15 -- A Bengaluru-based start-up co-founder sparked an online conversation on Monday after he chose to take a Rs.12 BMTC bus instead of paying Rs.175 for a 4-km auto ride to his office, calling it his way of "protesting stupid auto prices."

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Ather Energy co-founder Swapnil Jain explained the situation, "For various reasons, both my vehicles were parked at the office and I had no ride. Tried booking an auto because it is only 4 kms, but the price was Rs.175. Heck with it, just decided to take a bus to office at Rs.12."

(Also read: Bengaluru auto fares to go up from August 1: Here's what you'll pay now)

Calling it a small act of protest, he added, "This is me protesting against the stupid au...