Delhi Woman Alleges Assault by Uber Driver, Questions Safety Response

New Delhi, November 27, 2025 — A routine Uber ride turned into a terrifying ordeal for a Delhi-based environmental activist, Bharati Chaturvedi, who has alleged she was physically assaulted by her cab driver after a disagreement over the route. The incident, which has sparked widespread concern on social media, has also brought into sharp focus the effectiveness of emergency response systems, both from the ride-hailing company and the police helpline.

The incident occurred on Wednesday as Chaturvedi was travelling from Vasant Vihar to a doctor’s clinic in Sarvodaya Enclave. According to her account, shared in a detailed complaint and on social media, the GPS pin for her destination stopped incorrectly near Essex Farms. When she began giving the driver directions to the correct location, he reportedly became agitated and started yelling.

Escalation and Alleged Assault

The situation quickly escalated. When Chaturvedi asked the driver to stop the car, he allegedly refused and increased his speed. Feeling unsafe, she instinctively opened the car door slightly to compel him to slow down. This action reportedly enraged the driver, who, in a shocking move, “turned around, grabbed my arm, and twisted it violently,” she stated.

“I screamed. He stopped,” Chaturvedi recounted, detailing the moment the alleged assault ended.

Failure of Emergency Systems

Perhaps the most troubling aspect of the incident is the alleged failure of immediate safety protocols. Chaturvedi stated that she tried to contact the police helpline, 100, multiple times, but her calls either went unanswered or she was told the number was “not available.”

She also reached out to Uber’s safety team through the app. While Uber’s initial response on their social media platform condemned such behaviour, Chaturvedi criticized the slow response from the in-app safety features. She reported that an Uber safety representative told her to dial 100 for help and only received a substantive follow-up call from the company hours later.

Company Action and Police Inquiry

Following the public outcry and Chaturvedi’s formal complaint sent to the Delhi Police Commissioner, both authorities have initiated action. An Uber spokesperson confirmed that the driver’s conduct was a “clear breach of Uber’s Community Guidelines” and announced that the driver’s access to the Uber app has been removed.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police have taken cognisance of the matter and stated that an inquiry is underway. Chaturvedi plans to file a formal First Information Report (FIR) against both the driver and Uber, citing the serious failure of the emergency response system that left her feeling vulnerable and alone during the attack.

This incident serves as a grim reminder of the safety challenges faced by women commuters and highlights the urgent need for reliable and prompt emergency assistance from both private companies and public services.