In a disturbing incident that has garnered widespread attention, a LinkedIn user named Kiran Verma recounted a harrowing experience involving an Ola cab driver in Delhi. Verma’s post, shared under the hashtag #SayNotoOla, detailed an alleged assault, intimidation, and lack of accountability from the ride-hailing company, prompting outrage and calls for action.
According to Verma’s account, the incident unfolded last month while he was on a medical break from his 21,000-kilometer Walk for Blood Donation Awareness. Accompanied by his six-year-old son, Verma booked an Ola cab to pick someone up from the airport. However, the journey took a terrifying turn when the Ola driver allegedly demanded payment in cash and deviated from the intended route, raising suspicions.
As tensions escalated, Verma claimed that the driver stopped the vehicle, demanded additional payment, and attempted to seize his belongings. In a distressing turn of events, the driver purportedly slapped Verma in front of his frightened child.
Despite Verma’s attempts to seek assistance by dialing security helplines from the Ola app and contacting the police, the situation reportedly worsened as the driver continued to intimidate and physically assault him. Eventually, the intervention of another cab driver and bystanders helped diffuse the situation, but the trauma lingered.
Verma alleged that Ola’s response to the incident was inadequate. Despite filing a complaint, he claims that Ola closed the case within an hour, leaving him feeling abandoned and unprotected. This lack of follow-up or accountability from Ola has fueled frustration and disillusionment among users.
Expressing concern for the safety of others, Verma implored fellow commuters to reconsider using Ola and advocated for alternatives like Uber, citing a perceived difference in safety measures and responsiveness. Additionally, he called for accountability from Ola’s co-founder, Bhavish Aggarwal, urging him to address systemic issues within the company.
The post has sparked widespread discussion and debate on social media platforms, with many expressing solidarity with Verma and demanding action from Ola. Concerns over passenger safety and the accountability of ride-hailing companies have been reignited by this alarming incident, prompting calls for comprehensive reforms and heightened vigilance.
Efforts to contact Ola for comment have not yielded results, but the incident underscores the urgent need for measures to ensure the safety and security of passengers using ride-hailing services. As investigations continue and public outcry grows, the spotlight remains on Ola and its responsibility to address these serious allegations and restore trust among its users.