The woman, identified as Shivanii, claimed that the incident occurred during an Uber ride from Mahalaxmi to Nerul. According to her, the fare displayed on the Uber app was Rs 501, but the driver allegedly demanded an additional Rs 40 in cash for toll charges.
Questioning why the payment was being sought outside the platform, Shivanii said she refused to pay the extra amount. In the caption of one of her videos, she wrote, “The fare on the app was Rs 501. The driver demanded an extra Rs 40 – off the app. When I refused, he stepped closer to intimidate me. I pushed back.”
Allegations of Physical Assault
Shivanii alleged that what began as a disagreement soon turned into a physical altercation.
“What followed was not just an argument. He slapped me. He grabbed and twisted my hand, hurting me. And then said – ‘Phir se maar ke dikhaun kya?’ (Should I hit you again?),” she claimed in her post.
The allegations quickly gained traction online, drawing reactions from users who expressed concern over the safety of passengers using ride-hailing services.
Claims of Being Prevented From Leaving
The content creator further alleged that the driver prevented her from exiting the vehicle during the confrontation.
According to Shivanii, she immediately contacted members of her office team for assistance. She said her colleagues later arrived at the location and helped her leave the situation safely.
Highlighting the seriousness of the matter, she wrote, “This is not a ‘service issue’. This is a safety issue,” while tagging Uber India in her posts.
Questions Over Uber's Response
In a subsequent video, Shivanii shared screenshots that she claimed showed Uber India initially siding with the driver after she filed a complaint.
She also alleged that her Uber account was temporarily blocked following the incident and questioned the company's handling of her complaint. Additionally, she claimed that certain chat records related to the case had been deleted, raising concerns about transparency in the grievance process.
Uber India Responds
As the videos gained widespread attention online, Uber India issued a public response in the comments section.
“Safety is our top priority, and any form of physical harm or intimidation has no place on the Uber platform,” the company stated.
Uber said it strongly condemned the driver's alleged actions and confirmed that appropriate action had been taken in accordance with its policies. The company also announced that Shivanii's account had been reinstated and that it would continue to support her as she pursued the matter with law enforcement authorities.
Broader Debate on Rider Safety
The incident has since sparked broader discussions about passenger safety, the effectiveness of complaint resolution mechanisms, and how ride-hailing companies respond to allegations involving intimidation or physical assault.
While the allegations remain the account shared by the complainant, the case has drawn significant public attention and renewed calls for stronger safeguards and faster resolution processes for users reporting serious safety concerns.
