Delhi woman shares harrowing experience with Ola ride in Gurugram, claims app's SOS didn't work

In a disturbing revelation that has raised significant alarm regarding a passenger's safety, a woman recently shared her harrowing experience with Ola Cabs on LinkedIn during a ride to Gurgaon. The incident took place on December 20 around 1:30 PM and has prompted serious concerns about the safety measures and responsibility of ride-hailing services in India, particularly for female passengers.

The troubling incident unfolded after the cab passed through the toll plaza on its way to Gurgaon. The driver unexpectedly reduced the speed of the vehicle, disregarding the passenger's numerous questions about the reason for this action. Soon after, two men ahead of the cab gestured for the driver to stop. To the passenger's shock and distress, the driver complied without hesitation, pulling the car over to the side of the road as instructed.

Despite the passenger's frantic inquiries regarding the driver's compliance with the strangers, she received no response. The situation intensified when two more men on motorcycles arrived, bringing the total to five men, including the driver. This unsettling turn of events occurred near the National Media Centre, on a relatively deserted stretch of road with minimal traffic.

The tension heightened when the driver ominously said, "Meri kist pending hai" (my instalment is due), suggesting some financial arrangement with the men. Frightened, the passenger urged the driver to continue the journey, but her requests were ignored. As the men began to approach the cab, she realised she had to act quickly. Gathering her courage, she opened the right door of the cab and fled to safety.

In addition to the frightening ordeal, the passenger attempted to use the SOS button on the Ola app for help, but it failed to function.

The incident has sparked renewed conversations about the safety of ride-hailing services in India, especially for women traveling alone. The passenger is urging Ola and its CEO, Bhavish Aggarwal, to implement immediate and effective measures to tackle the safety issues raised by her experience. She stressed that safety should not be viewed as just an added feature but as a crucial responsibility that needs to be prioritised.