Rapido Driver Attacks Journalist with Iron Rod Over Safety Request

New Delhi, December 18, 2025: In a shocking incident that has once again raised alarms over passenger safety in ride-hailing services, a Rapido driver allegedly attacked a journalist with an iron rod in Gurugram. The altercation reportedly began when the journalist asked the driver to prioritize road safety by putting away his mobile phone while driving.

The incident, which took place recently, has gone viral after the journalist shared a video of the confrontation on social media, sparking widespread outrage and calls for stricter regulations on app-based transport platforms.

The Incident: Safety Request Turns Violent

According to the journalist’s account, the trouble began shortly after the ride commenced. The driver was reportedly holding his mobile phone to his ear, engaging in a phone call while navigating through traffic. The journalist claimed that the driver had already nearly collided with a motorcycle due to the distraction.

When the journalist politely requested the driver to stop using the phone and keep both hands on the steering wheel, the driver allegedly became hostile. The situation escalated rapidly, leading the driver to stop the vehicle, retrieve an iron rod, and move toward the journalist in a threatening manner.

Viral Evidence and Public Outrage

The journalist managed to record a portion of the encounter. In the video, a man identified as the Rapido driver is seen approaching the camera with a metal rod in hand.

• The Location: While the exact street was not confirmed, the vehicle’s registration number indicates it is registered in Haryana.
• The Reaction: The video has garnered thousands of views, with netizens expressing disbelief at the driver’s brazenness. Many users tagged the local police and Rapido’s official handles, demanding an immediate arrest and a permanent ban for the driver.

Rapido’s Response and Accountability Concerns

One of the most concerning aspects highlighted by the victim was the perceived lack of urgency from the service provider. The journalist stated that despite reporting the incident through the app and social media, there was no substantial response from Rapido for over 48 hours.

“It seems he is still on their platform. Be careful while taking Rapido please… you might be risking your safety,” the journalist warned in his post.

Following the social media storm, Rapido typically issues a standard statement regarding “zero tolerance” for violence; however, critics argue that the background verification process for “captains” (drivers) needs a massive overhaul to prevent such volatile individuals from being onboarded.

A Pattern of Safety Issues?

This incident is not an isolated one. In recent months, several reports of harassment and physical altercations involving bike-taxi and cab aggregators have surfaced across major Indian cities like Bengaluru and Delhi-NCR. Common complaints include:

• Rash Driving: Ignoring traffic signals or speeding.
• Distractions: Extensive use of mobile phones for personal calls or navigation while moving.
• Refusal to Follow Safety Norms: Resistance to wearing helmets or following passenger instructions.

What’s Next?

Local authorities are expected to take cognizance of the viral video to trace the driver via the vehicle’s registration number. Safety experts suggest that passengers should immediately end a ride if they feel unsafe and use the “SOS” or “Emergency” buttons provided in most apps to alert both the company and the police simultaneously.