(Image source from: Tv9kannada.com)
Bengaluru Man Held 'Captive' By Rapido Auto Driver:- In a chilling incident that unfolded in Bengaluru, a disturbing accusation has emerged against a Rapido auto-rickshaw driver, suggesting a harrowing experience of a passenger being allegedly held 'captive'. The passenger, identified as Omang Agarwal, took to social media platform 'X' to express his frustration and seek urgent action after feeling helpless and confined during a ride with Rapido.
Agarwal lamented about his ordeal, narrating how he was locked inside the auto-rickshaw for hours, unable to disembark despite his pleas for help falling on deaf ears. The screenshot shared by Agarwal depicted his repeated requests for assistance from Rapido Support, highlighting the lack of a timely and effective response from the company. His distress was palpable as he described being confined in the back of the auto-rickshaw, citing health issues including a foot fracture and lung infection, which further exacerbated the severity of the situation.
I was held hostage by @rapidobikeapp rider for hours and they had no security feature to help me.
— Omang Agarwal (@mango_sax) February 26, 2024
He had an issue with the UPI payment. I've a breathing issue and broken leg, I couldn't escape.
Their app has no SOS if the ride has ended.
Only escaped when I dialed 100 pic.twitter.com/4ZOnmEhTkQ
The crux of the issue seemed to revolve around a payment discrepancy involving UPI, where the driver allegedly became agitated with delays in payment processing. Agarwal's vulnerability due to his health conditions was exploited as he found himself trapped in a distressing situation with no apparent means of escape or support from the ride-hailing platform. The absence of a clear SOS feature or emergency protocol within the app added to the sense of helplessness experienced by Agarwal during the ordeal.
In his scathing critique of Rapido's handling of the incident and their overall safety measures, Agarwal pointed out previous instances of driver misconduct, questioning the company's commitment to passenger security and well-being. His frustration was evident as he called on Rapido to implement more robust safety protocols rather than superficial gestures, highlighting the need for meaningful action and accountability.
The incident quickly gained attention on social media, sparking a wave of reactions and responses from concerned individuals. Agarwal's revelations about the payment dispute and the driver's alleged hostile behavior shed light on the potential dangers faced by passengers relying on ride-sharing services, underscoring the critical importance of safety and security measures within such platforms. As the story continues to unfold, it serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in the gig economy, urging companies like Rapido to prioritize passenger safety and well-being above all else to prevent such alarming incidents from reoccurring.
