A disturbing incident involving a Rapido driver has brought to the fore the issue of passenger safety in New Delhi. Journalist Banerjee recently posted her distressing experience on LinkedIn, narrating how she had a terrifying ride from Connaught Place to Kalkaji and how the company handled her complaint rather shabbily.
Unpleasant Start Turns Harrowing
Banerjee‘s horror started with a delayed trip and discomfort. The cabs melled, and the driver was odd – fidgeting and grunting noises. She tried to brush it aside and called her mother to have a nice chat. But the driver stopped her mid-conversation, reprimanding her to keep quiet, saying she was being too loud to listen to his music.
The argument escalated when the driver told Banerjee to stop talking or risk being dropped mid-ride. He then proceeded to insult her conversation and made threatening remarks, leaving Banerjee feeling unsafe.
Driver’s Alarming Behaviour
Banerjee said that he wore headphones while driving and was making “dirty expressions“ to her. She told him to stop the ride near the Mandi House police station, but he would not cancel the trip. She got out of the car safely but later discovered the driver did not end the ride for 30 minutes.
HAVE A LOOK AT THE VIRAL POST:
I am putting his name and face here. Please do not accept a ride with this sick, disgusting man. I am also putting out the chat with @rapidobikeapp so all can see their hollow response. I am still traumatised frm this incident and will think twice before booking my next ride. pic.twitter.com/mreU7d5y95
— Tanima Banerjee (@tan_tacles) December 24, 2024
Rapido’s Response Sparks Outrage
Banerjee lodged a complaint with Rapido, detailing the driver’s unprofessional and threatening conduct. While Rapido expressed regret and agreed the behaviour was inappropriate, their response was limited to issuing the driver a warning. Screenshots of her conversation with customer care revealed assurances of stricter action if similar complaints arose in the future.
Banerjee criticized Rapido’s lax handling of the incident, stating, “This man should not be allowed to take any passengers, let alone women, especially after his behaviour has been flagged. Is women’s safety a joke?”
Public Outcry and Safety Concerns
The incident has sparked widespread concern, with social media users urging Rapido to take more stringent measures against unsafe drivers. Banerjee’s post serves as a reminder of the critical need for ride-hailing platforms to prioritize passenger safety and enforce strict accountability for their drivers.
Rapido’s Statement
In response, Rapido issued an apology, stating, “We will not entertain such behaviour from the captain [driver]. Please be assured we have issued him a final warning and will monitor his conduct closely.” However, many feel this action falls short of addressing the severity of the issue.
Banerjee’s experience has reignited the debate on women’s safety in public transport, underscoring the urgent need for robust safeguards and swift punitive measures for offenders.
