Environmentalist Assaulted During Uber Ride in Delhi
A prominent Delhi-based environmentalist, Bharati Chaturvedi, was physically assaulted by an Uber driver on Wednesday, leading to the driver's immediate removal from the ride-sharing platform. The incident occurred during a routine trip to her doctor's clinic in Sarvodaya Enclave and exposed serious gaps in both Uber's safety protocols and police responsiveness.
The Terrifying Ordeal Unfolds
The confrontation began when Chaturvedi asked the driver to continue straight ahead because the location pin had incorrectly stopped at Essex Farms. According to her official complaint to Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha, this simple request caused the driver to become "inexplicably agitated".
The situation quickly escalated as the driver began displaying dangerous behavior. He stopped the vehicle abruptly not once, but twice, then proceeded to drive erratically before taking an unexpected turn toward Malviya Nagar. When Chaturvedi sensed the growing danger and asked him to stop immediately, the driver allegedly refused and instead increased his speed.
Fearing for her safety, Chaturvedi made the desperate decision to open the door slightly, hoping this would force the driver to slow down. Instead, the situation turned violent. The driver turned around, grabbed her arm, and twisted it violently, according to her detailed account in the official mail.
Police Response Failure Compounds Trauma
What makes this incident particularly alarming is the subsequent failure of emergency response systems. Chaturvedi immediately dialed 100 multiple times, with her first attempt at 1:55 PM. She was informed that the number was "not available" during her first call, and on her next attempt, no one answered at all.
The systemic failure continued when a police van passed her as she stood waving "clearly and urgently for assistance" after the assault. The van continued into the DCP's office without stopping to help.
When Chaturvedi contacted Uber for assistance, she was told to dial 100 if she felt unsafe - the same emergency number that had already failed her. She received a follow-up call from Uber only after two-and-a-half hours had passed since the incident.
Uber Takes Action Amid Safety Concerns
An Uber spokesperson responded to the incident stating: "This conduct is a clear breach of Uber's Community Guidelines, and the driver's access to the Uber app has been removed." The company emphasized that they encourage riders to use the in-app SOS button for emergencies.
This incident raises serious questions about ride-sharing safety protocols and emergency response systems in Delhi. The combination of driver misconduct and failed police response creates a concerning scenario for urban commuters relying on app-based transportation services.
The case highlights the urgent need for both ride-sharing companies and law enforcement agencies to review and strengthen their safety mechanisms to prevent such incidents and ensure prompt assistance when passengers face emergencies.
