A deeply alarming event in Gurugram has sparked serious concerns about the safety of passengers using app-based cab services. On November 29, a woman and her son fell victim to an attack by their cab driver while traveling in a BluSmart cab.
The driver, identified as Sonu Singh, picked up the woman and her son from Airia Mall, Gurugram, with their destination set for Microtek Greenburg in Sector 86. However, upon reaching Sector 83, the driver allegedly brandished a gun, forcing the woman to transfer ₹55,000 via her mobile phone and robbing her of other belongings before fleeing the scene. The police promptly registered a case after her complaint and arrested the accused on December 1.
BluSmart’s Response and Apology
BluSmart, the app-based cab service provider, issued an apology and assured swift measures to address the situation. Calling the incident “disturbing,” the company expressed its regret and announced immediate actions to enhance safety protocols.
In their statement, BluSmart conveyed their sadness over the event, stating:
“We are taking immediate steps to further strengthen our safety protocols, including additional training for our driver-partners and enhanced technology solutions. We apologize to the affected family and are committed to providing them with all necessary support. We will continue to work tirelessly to rebuild trust and ensure that every BluSmart ride is a safe and comfortable experience”
Proposed Safety Enhancements
BluSmart emphasized its commitment to passenger safety by outlining new measures:
- Use of facial recognition technology for driver verification.
- Deployment of a dedicated safety helpline for riders.
- Enhanced driver training programs.
The company also highlighted the importance of their comprehensive documentation process, which aided the police in apprehending the accused within 24 hours.
Founder’s Remarks
Anmol Singh Jaggi, a co-founder of BluSmart, expressed his shock and disappointment over the incident. He stated that after dedicating over five years to building a safe mobility solution, such an event felt personal. On X (formerly Twitter), Jaggi wrote:
“BluSmart’s exhaustive documentation process, coupled with swift action from our QRT team, ensured the accused was caught in less than 24 hours of the incident being reported. Immediate steps: enhanced driver training & strengthened safety protocols. Your safety is our priority. Always.”
Deeply disturbed by the recent incident involving a @BluSmartIndia rider & child being robbed. After 5+ years of building a safe mobility solution, this feels personal.
Safety is our foundation: robust background checks, facial recognition, safety helplines, and more.…
— Anmol Singh Jaggi (@AnmolJaggi) December 3, 2024
The accused, Sonu Singh, was presented in a Gurugram court, where the police secured one-day custody for further investigation.Have you ever felt unsafe while using an app-based cab service? Share your experiences in the comments.
