A chilling encounter between a young woman and an Uber driver in Delhi has once again brought the issue of women’s safety in India’s capital city to the forefront. The incident, shared on Reddit by a 24-year-old woman, highlights the terrifying reality many women face while using ride-hailing services, particularly at night.
The woman, who frequently relies on Uber for late-night travel due to her location on the outskirts of Delhi, was returning from dinner on Friday evening. As she rode in the cab, she noticed the driver’s unsettling gaze from the rearview mirror. The driver then began questioning her about being out so late, making unsettling comments about her gender.
“You know, had you been a guy, I wouldn’t have picked you up at all,” the driver said, his words escalating into a horrifying threat. He went on to say that women should not commute alone or be out late, implying that drivers are often blamed if women are attacked.
Fearful for her safety, the woman shared her ride location with her mother, hoping to track her progress. However, the driver’s next words were even more terrifying. “If I were to do anything to you in five minutes, do you think your mother could come and help you?” he asked.
Thankfully, the woman reached home safely and reported the incident to Uber’s customer care. Her experience echoes a previous tragedy in Delhi, where a 27-year-old woman was raped by an Uber driver in December 2014. This incident, along with the recent threats, has reignited calls for stricter safety measures for female passengers using ride-hailing services.
The incident underscores the urgent need for ride-hailing companies to implement robust safety protocols to protect women. The current situation demands decisive action to address the deeply rooted societal issues that contribute to the vulnerability of women in India, ensuring a safer environment for all women who rely on these services.