Woman claims Uber driver demanded extra Rs 2,500 and harassed grandparents, company responds

Uber apologized and confirmed that a specialist team was investigating the incident

Nidhi Tara, a communications strategist, shared a terrifying experience with an Uber driver in Mysuru on LinkedIn. After booking a ride, Ms Tara alleged that the driver became aggressive and demanded an additional ₹2,500 over and above the agreed fare. When she refused, the driver became hostile and threatened her family. Fortunately, bystanders intervened, forcing him to leave the scene. However, the harassment continued. Days later, the driver showed up unexpectedly at her grandparents’ home in Mysuru at 10.30 pm, harassing them and demanding money.

‘I never thought I would have to share this, but safety concerns are paramount and this situation requires urgent attention. During a recent Uber ride from Mysuru to Kempegowda International Airport, my family and I experienced unacceptable behavior from a driver (photo attached), which led to what can only be described as a threat to our safety and security,” she wrote LinkedIn.

Despite reporting the incident via Uber’s app, the woman did not receive an adequate response. In her post, she urged authorities to take immediate action and protect families from similar harassment.

‘Despite contacting Uber via the app and their customer service, there has been no adequate response. An issue of this nature – harassment after a trip – is just as important as incidents during the trip. For any service provider, but especially in the ride-sharing industry, passenger safety should not be compromised. I call for urgent action. “This is not about one incident, but about ensuring that no other family has to go through something like this again,” she added. The woman also posted her trip details with the driver’s identity on the post.

View the full message here:

In response to the message, Uber apologized and confirmed that a specialist team was investigating the incident and was taking the allegations seriously. ”Hi Nidhi, we apologize for this situation and we understand how upsetting it must have been for you and your family. “We can confirm that a specialist team is currently investigating this incident and will contact you in the app as soon as there are any updates,” the company wrote.

Meanwhile, the LinkedIn post sparked many reactions, with many expressing shock, outrage and solidarity. Several users shared their own harrowing experiences with Uber drivers.

One user wrote. “Uber’s customer service and safety services are seriously lacking. I have experienced several instances where drivers have taken unsafe, isolated routes during late night or early morning trips, despite my request to stay on main roads. This is especially common in Bengaluru and poses significant risks if you travel alone at odd hours. As a solo female driver, I find it difficult to trust both Uber drivers and their safety team.”

Another commented: “Local travel agencies are better and more reliable for long routes. I never faced any challenge while traveling from Dehradun to Delhi airport.”