Instances of troubling experiences with cab services have sparked significant concern lately. This time, the spotlight is on Ola Cabs after a woman recounted a horrifying experience during a ride to Gurgaon. A Delhi-based woman narrated the ordeal on social media, accusing the company of failing to ensure passenger safety.
Woman’s Ordeal Raises Questions About Passenger Safety
Shazia A., a senior manager at Genpact, shared her traumatic encounter on LinkedIn, detailing an incident that took place on December 20 around 1:30 PM in Gurgaon. According to her, the ride turned distressing after the cab crossed the toll plaza. The driver unexpectedly slowed down near the National Media Centre, offering no explanation despite her repeated inquiries.
Two men ahead signaled the driver to stop, and shockingly, he complied, parking the vehicle on the roadside. Matters escalated further when two more men joined, making it five individuals, including the driver. The driver mentioned financial troubles, saying, “Meri kist pending hai” (My installment is due), suggesting he had dealings with the men.
Fleeing for Safety
Feeling increasingly unsafe, Shazia pleaded with the driver to resume the trip, but her appeals were ignored. As the men approached the car, she decided to take immediate action. Summoning her courage, she opened the door and fled the scene.
In her post, she recounted,
“Feeling unsafe, I opened the right-side door and ran for my life. It was an extremely traumatic experience, and I cannot emphasize enough how terrified I felt.”
She also criticized Ola’s safety measures, revealing that the SOS button in the app failed to function during the emergency. She wrote,
“To make matters worse, when I tried to use the SOS button on the Ola app, it did not work.”
Appeal to Ola for Accountability
Addressing Ola and its CEO, Bhavish Aggarwal, Shazia demanded immediate action to address the safety gaps exposed by her experience. She emphasized that passenger safety is a fundamental responsibility, not just a feature. Her post stated,
“I raised a complaint with Ola, but it has now been over 24 hours, and I have not received any response. This lack of accountability and urgency from Ola’s team is both shocking and deeply disappointing.”
Community Reactions and Ola’s Response
Shazia’s account has ignited discussions about the safety of ride-hailing services, especially for solo women travelers. Many LinkedIn users expressed concern and called for stricter safety protocols.
According to reports from NDTV, Ola eventually contacted Shazia, confirming that an investigation is underway, though further actions remain pending.
What’s your take on this alarming incident? Share your opinions in the comments section below.
