A Tumultuous Ride With RapidoBikeApp: Sexual Harassment, A Cautionary Tale
Today, Athira Purushothaman, a Socialist feminist from Bengaluru, shared a distressing encounter of sexual harassment she experienced while using the Rapidobikeapp.
After attending a protest against a violent incident in Manipur at Town Hall, Bangalore, she booked an auto through the Rapido app for her journey back home. However, due to multiple cancellations, she opted for a bike instead.
To her surprise, the driver arrived on a different motorcycle since the registered one was under maintenance. She confirmed her reservation through the app and proceeded with the ride.
However, during the journey, they reached a secluded area where no other vehicles were around. Shockingly, the driver began engaging in inappropriate behavior, specifically masturbating while riding the bike. Fearing for her safety, Athira chose to remain silent throughout the ordeal.
Despite feeling concerned and uncomfortable, she managed to request the driver to drop her off 200 meters away from her actual destination to conceal her residential location.
Once the journey ended, the driver began persistently contacting her through calls and WhatsApp messages. To put an end to the harassment, she had to block his number.
In response to this distressing incident, Athira took to Twitter and voiced her concerns to the Rapidobikeapp. She inquired about the safety measures they are implementing for background checks, emphasizing the paramount importance of user safety.
She urged the company to ensure that their users can rely on a secure journey without facing such incidents. Despite blocking the driver’s number, he continued to contact her from various other numbers.
Finally, Bengaluru City Police responded and assured to take action.
This incident highlights the importance of stringent safety measures and thorough background checks for drivers working with ride-hailing apps.
It is crucial for companies like Rapidobikeapp to take immediate action in response to such incidents and prioritize the safety and well-being of their users.
