A woman from Bengaluru has reported an unsettling experience during a ride with a Rapido Pink rider, alleging that he held her hand for several seconds while returning his helmet. The incident reportedly occurred after she had completed her payment for the trip. The woman, identified as Srishti on social media platform X, shared her experience in a post that included screenshots of her booking confirmation and payment receipt.

She raised concerns about the company’s accountability regarding the behaviour of its riders. Srishti mentioned that she was initially hesitant to take the ride due to inclement weather. However, the rider, named Syed Tousif Z, allegedly urged her not to cancel the booking, citing the rain as a reason. Once the ride commenced, she claimed the rider attempted to engage in overly friendly behaviour, offering her a raincoat and repeatedly inquiring about her comfort, despite her wearing earphones.

The situation escalated when they arrived at her residential society. According to Srishti, while returning his helmet, the rider allegedly held her hand for several seconds, smiling in a manner that made her uncomfortable. When she requested his QR code to complete the payment, he reportedly claimed that his phone was malfunctioning due to the rain and instead asked for her phone number or offered his own.

Post-Ride Concerns and Security Issues

Despite her discomfort, Srishti insisted on using the QR code to complete the transaction. However, she felt unsafe and chose to remain outside her society for approximately 15 minutes after the ride. During this time, she observed that the rider did not leave the premises. In an effort to ensure her safety, she sought assistance from a security guard, asking him to instruct the rider to depart. Allegedly, the rider remained in the area for an additional five minutes, claiming he was using his phone.

According to Srishti’s account, the rider only left after the guard asked him to leave for a second time, roughly ten minutes later. In her post, she expressed feeling “unsafe and traumatised,” highlighting the broader issue of women’s safety while using ride-sharing services, even during peak hours.

She emphasised the need for improved safety measures for female passengers travelling by bike, auto-rickshaw, or cab. In her social media post, Srishti tagged both Rapido and the Bengaluru Police, questioning the lack of accountability for the rider’s actions. She noted her initial hesitation to take the ride and reiterated her concerns about the safety protocols in place for passengers.

Responses from Authorities and Public Reaction

The post garnered attention from both Bengaluru Police and Rapido. The police requested Srishti to provide specific details about the incident and her contact information through direct messaging, indicating that they would investigate the matter. Rapido responded by expressing regret for the distressing experience and acknowledged the seriousness of unwanted physical contact.

The company confirmed that the rider had been permanently suspended from its platform. Social media users reacted to Srishti’s experience with concern and empathy. Some suggested that capturing a photograph of the rider could have aided in identifying him and alerting others to potential risks.

Others expressed sympathy for her ordeal, labelling the incident as deeply troubling and indicative of broader safety issues faced by women in urban settings. This incident has sparked discussions about the need for enhanced safety measures within ride-sharing services, as well as the importance of accountability for riders’ behaviour. As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring safer travel experiences for all passengers.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store – https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share