A woman in Bengaluru narrowly escaped a potential trafficking attempt after mistakenly boarding a fake Ola cab at Kempegowda International Airport on November 8, 2024. The impersonator, who allegedly bypassed safety protocols, attempted to extort money from her. After calling emergency services, police apprehended the driver within 20 minutes. This incident has sparked significant concern regarding airport security and ride-hailing safety.
A Frightening Ordeal
As per the woman’s post on X (formerly Twitter), Nikita Malik booked an Ola cab around 10:30 PM but was approached by an unassigned driver. She claims he allegedly failed to request the mandatory OTP and instead asked her to enter her destination in his personal Maps app. As the ride progressed, he allegedly demanded extra fare and ignored her pleas to return to the airport. Malik managed to call 112 while keeping a family member informed, leading to the driver’s arrest shortly thereafter. The police confirmed that they detained the impersonator after he refused to drop her back and demanded money for fuel.
Police Response and Recent Developments
Following the incident, Bengaluru police emphasized their commitment to passenger safety at the airport. A police spokesperson stated, “We urge all passengers to verify their ride-hailing bookings and remain vigilant.”
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This alarming incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols in public transport systems. We must advocate for greater awareness and vigilance among passengers while urging authorities to implement stricter measures to protect commuters. How can we collectively ensure safer travel experiences for everyone?
