In Gurugram, a Rapido driver named Manjar Alam allegedly harassed a woman passenger by sending inappropriate messages, including asking for her flat number and implying he would visit her home. The woman’s husband, Abhimanyu, confronted the driver outside their residence, recorded the encounter, and shared it on social media, exposing the driver’s misconduct.
Investigations revealed that Alam was operating under another person’s Rapido ID, raising serious concerns about the company’s driver verification process. Rapido has since permanently banned the driver and others involved, pledged to strengthen its safety protocols, and offered legal support to the victim.
The incident has ignited widespread public outrage and renewed calls for enhanced safety measures on ride-sharing platforms.
Harassment Exposed Through Husband’s Vigilance and Viral Video
The unsettling episode began when the woman, after booking a Rapido ride, messaged the driver to confirm his arrival. Instead of a professional response, the driver sent his personal contact details and requested her flat number, insinuating that he would come upstairs if she was alone.
Disturbed by this inappropriate behaviour, the woman immediately informed her husband, Abhimanyu, who rushed home to confront the driver. The confrontation, captured on video, shows the driver apologising profusely and claiming he misunderstood the woman’s message as flirtatious. T
his video quickly went viral on social media platforms, drawing widespread praise for Abhimanyu’s prompt action and highlighting the persistent vulnerability women face when using app-based transportation services. Netizens expressed deep concern over the safety of women commuters and criticised Rapido for its apparent lapses in driver monitoring and verification.
Pattern of Safety Concerns and Rapido’s Response
This incident is part of a larger pattern of safety issues associated with app-based ride services. Similar complaints have surfaced in various cities, including a high-profile case in Bengaluru in 2023 where a Rapido auto driver was accused of sexual assault.
In the current case, it was discovered that Manjar Alam was operating using a colleague’s Rapido account, despite the vehicle being registered in his name, exposing critical flaws in the company’s driver authentication process. Rapido swiftly responded by permanently banning Alam and other implicated drivers from the platform.
The company also announced plans to enhance driver background checks, implement stricter verification procedures, and intensify captain training focused on passenger safety and professional conduct. Additionally, Rapido has extended legal assistance to the victim and reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all users.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian strongly condemns the harassment and breach of trust that this incident represents. We believe that ride-sharing platforms bear a crucial responsibility to protect their passengers, especially women, from any form of misconduct.
Technology should be a tool to empower and ensure safety, not a conduit for fear or exploitation. This case underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms, including rigorous driver verification, transparent accountability mechanisms, and a culture of respect and empathy within the transportation sector.
We call upon companies, regulatory authorities, and civil society to work collaboratively toward creating safer public spaces where every individual can travel with dignity and peace of mind. How can ride-sharing platforms, law enforcement, and communities unite more effectively to safeguard the rights and safety of passengers across India?
