GURGAON: “Is route ka itna hi hota hai (you need to pay the same amount as displayed by Rapido for this route),” an Uber driver allegedly told a woman after demanding Rs 1,479 for a ride that had cost Rs 625 on the app. When the woman refused to pay the higher amount, the confrontation allegedly escalated into physical aggression, threats and the driver following her to her home.The woman, a software engineer and AI professional, shared her account on X, describing the incident as one of the most terrifying experiences of her life. Police have taken cognizance of her post and contacted her, asking her to share her details through direct message for further action.“We will take appropriate legal action following her complaint,” a police officer told TOI.
Driver allegedly demands more than double the app fare
The incident allegedly took place around 4.45am after the woman arrived at Delhi airport and booked an Uber cab for what she described as a 20-minute ride into the city.According to her post, the fare displayed on the Uber app was approximately Rs 625. However, after the trip, the driver, identified by her as Jamil Jahid Khan, allegedly showed her a screenshot of a Rapido fare quote for Rs 1,479 and demanded that she pay the higher amount.When she pointed out that the screenshot was from Rapido and not Uber, the driver allegedly insisted that she pay the amount shown for the route. The woman said she paid the Rs 625 fare displayed on the Uber app.
Woman alleges driver restrained her, withheld luggage
The woman alleged that the confrontation intensified after she paid the fare. According to her account, the driver locked the car and refused to let her retrieve her luggage unless she paid Rs 1,479.When she attempted to take her belongings, he allegedly held her arm and shut the front-seat window where her luggage was kept, trying to prevent her from removing it.She said she eventually managed to retrieve her luggage and attempted to enter her house. However, the driver allegedly followed her to her residence, forced the gate and abused her, preventing her from entering peacefully.
‘He started climbing the gate and threatening my life’
The woman alleged that after she managed to get inside and lock the door, the driver began climbing the gate while hurling abuses and threatening her life.She said the incident had gone far beyond a fare dispute, involving intimidation, physical aggression and threats at her doorstep.The account prompted social media users to raise concerns about passenger safety and urge the company and police to take action. Several users called for an FIR to be registered, expressing concern that the driver could allegedly harass other passengers.
Woman flags lack of access to Uber safety support
The woman also raised concerns about being unable to access Uber’s safety support option while attempting to report the incident. She said the feature was unavailable to her despite the seriousness of the situation.In a subsequent post on X, she said she was safe and thanked those who had reached out to check on her well-being. She added that Uber had contacted her and confirmed that the driver had been barred from the platform and would no longer be able to accept rides.
Uber removes driver’s access to app
An Uber official, sharing a statement with TOI, said, “What has been described is deeply concerning and has no place on the Uber platform. Such behaviour violates our community guidelines and we have removed the driver’s access to the Uber app. We stand ready to support law enforcement authorities with any information they may require.”
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