A recent LinkedIn post by a woman recounting her horrifying experience with an Ola cab ride in Gurgaon has raised urgent concerns about passenger safety, particularly for women. The incident, which unfolded on December 20 around 1:30 PM, highlights critical gaps in safety protocols and accountability within India’s ride-hailing industry.

The ordeal began shortly after the cab crossed the toll plaza heading to Gurgaon. The driver inexplicably slowed down, ignoring the passenger’s repeated demands for an explanation. Matters worsened when two men ahead signaled for the driver to stop. Shockingly, the driver complied without hesitation, pulling over at their instruction.

Despite the passenger’s urgent questioning, the driver remained silent. The situation escalated as two additional men on motorcycles arrived, increasing the number of individuals involved to five, including the driver. This occurred near the National Media Centre, a relatively isolated area with minimal traffic.

Tension mounted when the driver cryptically stated, “Meri kist pending hai” (my installment is due), suggesting financial dealings with the men. Fearing for her safety, the passenger pleaded with the driver to resume the journey, but he ignored her. As the men approached the vehicle, she acted decisively, opening the cab’s door and fleeing to safety.

Adding to the trauma, the passenger attempted to activate the SOS feature on the Ola app, only to find it unresponsive.

This alarming incident has reignited debates about the safety measures of ride-hailing services in India. The woman urged Ola and its CEO, Bhavish Aggarwal, to take concrete steps to ensure passenger safety, emphasizing that safety is not just a feature but a core responsibility.

When contacted by NDTV, the woman confirmed that Ola had reached out following the incident. However, the investigation and any subsequent action remain pending.