Gurugram Driver Threatens Woman, Forces Her Out of Cab Over Loud Music: A Harrowing Incident that Sparks Outrage
In a disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves across the city, a 22-year-old Rapido cab driver allegedly misbehaved with, threatened, and forced a woman passenger to exit the vehicle after she repeatedly asked him to lower the loud music playing in the cab. The incident, which occurred on the evening of December 15, 2025, has raised serious concerns about women's safety in app-based ride services in India.
According to the police, the incident took place at around 6:00 pm when the woman, a resident of Gurugram, booked a Rapido cab to return home from her office. The driver, identified as Pankaj, a 22-year-old resident of Bhaini/Bahni Maharajpur village in Rohtak district, was playing music at a high volume, much to the discomfort of the woman. Despite her repeated requests to lower the volume, Pankaj allegedly refused, became abusive, and used derogatory language towards her.
In a shocking turn of events, Pankaj drove the cab in a different direction than the one agreed upon by the woman, and eventually stopped on an isolated stretch, forcing her to get down from the vehicle. The woman, who has since gone public with her account of the incident, recounted her harrowing experience in a video shared online, describing how she felt a sense of fear when the driver diverted the route and looked at her with "wrong intentions".
The incident has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many calling for stronger measures to ensure women's safety in app-based ride services. The video's circulation has prompted police clarifications about the timing of the arrest, which was made on the same day as the incident.
The police have registered a case under sections 77 (voyeurism) and 79 (insulting the modesty of a woman) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, reflecting how police classify offences involving indecent behavior or threats against women in public-order complaints. The accused driver, Pankaj, was arrested on December 15, produced before a city court, and remanded to judicial custody. The cab was also seized by the police.
This incident is a stark reminder of the ongoing concerns about women's safety in app-based ride services. Complaints about harassment, assault, or misbehavior by drivers have been reported repeatedly nationwide, prompting regulators, platform policies, and police advisories to emphasize passenger safety and emergency helplines.
The incident has also raised questions about the responsibility of ride-hailing platforms to ensure the safety of their users. While the articles do not quote Rapido's corporate response in this case, similar incidents have previously led media and activists to call for stronger background checks, in-trip safety features, and emergency contact sharing between drivers and passengers.
As the incident continues to spark outrage and discussion, it is essential to acknowledge the fear and vulnerability that women experience when using app-based ride services. The incident highlights the need for immediate action to ensure women's safety and security in these services. The police, regulators, and ride-hailing platforms must work together to address these concerns and provide a safe and secure experience for all passengers.
📰 Source: Hindustan Times - Politics
