A Gurgaon-based sales manager has alleged that an Uber driver locked her inside the cab and demanded an extra ₹500 before allowing her to exit. The incident, which occurred around 4 AM, has sparked widespread discussion on LinkedIn about rider safety.
The Incident
According to the woman, whose identity is being withheld, the ride had concluded when she asked the driver for a QR code to pay. The driver allegedly demanded an additional ₹500 beyond the app fare. When she questioned the charge, he activated the child lock and said she would not be allowed to leave unless she paid. She threatened to call the police and contact friends, after which the door was unlocked. She described feeling trapped and intimidated.
Post-Ride Harassment
In a LinkedIn post, the woman said she shared her personal phone number with the driver because the platform's calling system was not working. After the ride, the driver allegedly continued contacting her from other numbers, including those of his friends. She blocked him but said the harassment persisted. This raised concerns online about sharing personal contact information outside the platform.
Why No Police Complaint?
Many questioned why she did not file a police complaint. She explained that it was early morning, she was tired, and she did not want to engage in legal procedures. Instead, she reported the matter through the Uber platform and expected action.
Uber's Response
The woman expressed disappointment with Uber's handling of her complaint. Initially, she was told there was no ride associated with her account, despite sharing details. Later, Uber apologized and said action had been taken against the driver. The company stated that rider and driver numbers are anonymized and advised against sharing personal contact information.
Broader Implications
The woman said her main concern was to urge Uber to take rider safety seriously. She did not intend to target the driver's livelihood. The incident has sparked a conversation about safety protocols in ride-hailing services.
Disclaimer: This report is based on allegations made by the passenger in a public social media post and comments shared with Times of India. The publication has not independently verified the claims. Uber's response has been included as published publicly by the company.
