The driver’s action reflects a pattern of deliberate and targeted Islamophobia, raising alarm over the safety of passengers belonging to minority communities
NEW DELHI — A Supreme Court lawyer has alleged that he faced intimidation and Islamophobic remarks during an Ola cab ride in the national capital. The incident has sparked serious concerns over passenger safety and communal targeting.
Dr Saif Mehmood, a Supreme Court advocate, reported that an Ola driver not only made Islamophobic comments but also proudly narrated instances wherein he allegedly assaulted Muslim passengers.
According to Mehmood, the incident occurred on March 15 when he booked a cab through Ola at 5:22 pm to travel from Greater Kailash in South Delhi to Max Mueller Bhavan in Central Delhi. During the journey, the driver allegedly began making communal remarks and attempted to intimidate him after learning about his Muslim identity.
In a detailed complaint and legal notice sent on March 16 to Ola and its CEO Bhavish Aggarwal, Dr Mehmood expressed “deep shock and alarm” over the incident and raised concerns about passenger safety on the platform.
The lawyer alleged that the driver, whose name appeared as “Shri Ram” on the app, boasted about violently assaulting Muslim passengers in separate incidents. One such account involved a passenger he referred to dismissively as “Ansari-wansari,” whom he claimed to have beaten at a roadside dhaba while others joined in the assault. The driver also allegedly described another incident in Noida where he assaulted a passenger he insinuated was Muslim.
Dr Mehmood further stated that the driver repeatedly emphasised the religious identity of the alleged victims and expressed approval of actions targeting Muslims, even praising the Uttar Pradesh government for “teaching such people a lesson.”
The driver’s remarks, according to the advocate, reflected a pattern of deliberate and targeted Islamophobia, raising alarm over the safety of passengers belonging to minority communities.
Following the complaint, Ola reportedly suspended the driver from its platform. However, the company’s response has drawn criticism. In an email, Ola stated:
“We are sorry you had such an unpleasant experience… We have suspended the driver in question for unsafe behaviour.”
Mehmood termed the response “wholly unacceptable,” saying it failed to address the seriousness of the incident, including concerns about communal violence and systemic safeguards to prevent such behaviour.
He also questioned the company’s passenger safety policies and the mechanisms in place to prevent drivers from targeting individuals based on religion.
The incident has been widely condemned as a disturbing example of rising intolerance and hate-driven behaviour in public spaces. Targeting individuals based on religion and glorifying violence is not only deeply reprehensible but also a serious criminal matter that undermines the rule of law and social harmony.
Such acts demand strict accountability, not only from individuals involved but also from service providers who must ensure robust safeguards against discrimination and intimidation. Ensuring the safety and dignity of all passengers, regardless of their identity, is a fundamental responsibility that cannot be overlooked.
The case also highlights the urgent need for stronger regulatory oversight and zero-tolerance policies against hate speech and communal targeting in public services.
Notably, similar incidents of alleged discrimination and intimidation in ride-hailing services have been reported in the past, raising broader concerns about passenger safety and accountability.
