Agencies | New Delhi:
Ride-hailing platform Rapido has permanently removed an auto-rickshaw driver from its platform after a Delhi-based researcher and digital content creator alleged that he watched pornographic content on his mobile phone and engaged in inappropriate sexual behaviour while she was travelling as a passenger.
The allegations, shared on social media by Sukanya Dutta, a researcher and content creator originally from Assam, have sparked widespread concern over passenger safety and renewed scrutiny of safety protocols followed by app-based transport aggregators.
According to Dutta, the incident occurred during an auto ride booked through Rapido from Safdarjung to Model Town in Delhi at around 8.48 pm. She recounted her experience in an Instagram post accompanied by a video, stating that she was initially unaware of the driver’s alleged conduct.
She said another woman travelling on a motorcycle alerted her at a traffic signal, informing her that the driver appeared to be watching explicit content on his mobile phone while driving. According to Dutta, the driver immediately concealed the device after noticing that she had been alerted.
Dutta further alleged that she subsequently observed the driver behaving in a sexually inappropriate manner while she was seated behind him. At that point, she said, nearly 30 minutes of the journey still remained.
Chose Not to Exit Midway
Responding to questions on social media about why she did not immediately leave the vehicle, Dutta said much of the route passed through unfamiliar highway stretches and she did not consider it safe to get out alone or confront the driver.
Instead, she chose to remain in the vehicle until reaching a populated and familiar location. During the journey, she said she contacted Rapido’s safety support team and reported that she felt unsafe, alleging that the driver was watching pornographic content while driving.
After reaching her destination, Dutta confronted the driver and later identified him in a video posted online. According to her account, the driver admitted to watching videos of women in revealing clothing rather than denying the allegation.
Rapido Apologises, Removes Driver
Dutta also criticised Rapido’s response, alleging that despite reporting the incident through the platform’s emergency support system during the ride, she did not receive immediate assistance or a follow-up call. She claimed the company contacted her only after her social media posts began attracting widespread attention.
In response, Rapido issued a public apology, describing the allegations as “extremely concerning” and expressing regret over both the driver’s alleged conduct and the delay in providing support.
The company reiterated that it follows a zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct by drivers and assured that appropriate action would be taken.
In a subsequent statement, Rapido confirmed that the driver had been permanently barred from the platform following an internal review.
The company also said it would review its safety response mechanisms to identify areas for improvement and strengthen support systems for passengers reporting emergencies.
“Customer safety, dignity and respect remain our highest priorities,” the company said, adding that it would take the feedback seriously while reviewing its safety protocols.
Social Media Debate
The incident triggered widespread discussion across social media, with many users expressing concern over passenger safety and questioning the effectiveness of emergency response systems provided by ride-hailing platforms.
Several users called for stronger driver verification procedures, improved safety training and quicker intervention during emergency situations. Others criticised the company’s customer support, urging faster and more effective responses to passengers reporting safety concerns.
At the same time, the incident also generated differing opinions online, with some users questioning aspects of the allegations and the circumstances surrounding the episode.
The case has once again highlighted concerns over passenger safety in app-based transport services and renewed calls for transport aggregators to strengthen driver screening, improve emergency response systems and ensure swift action in cases involving allegations of misconduct.
