A harrowing encounter at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport has raised alarm over the safety of passengers, especially women, traveling alone. A woman OBGYN doctor, shared her terrifying experience on Twitter, recounting how she narrowly escaped being “trafficked, raped, looted and assaulted” by a ‘fake’ Ola cab driver on Friday night.
The incident took place at the airport’s Ola cab pick-up station around 10:30 pm, when Nikita Malik arrived from Tamil Nadu and was waiting for her booked cab. A man, later identified as Basavaraj, approached her in a car bearing the registration number KA50A4195. Claiming to be an Ola driver, he hurriedly took her luggage and asked her to get into the car, despite her informing him she had already booked an Ola cab.
After she boarded the car, she immediately noticed suspicious behaviour. The driver did not ask for her OTP, a necessary verification step for Ola rides, and instead insisted she input her location into his map. The situation escalated when the driver informed her that his Ola app was not functioning, and he would still take her home—but for a higher fare of Rs. 1,500, despite the app showing Rs. 1,300.
The woman, growing increasingly anxious, demanded to be returned to the airport’s pick-up station, but the driver continued to drive on without responding to her requests, according to the complaint submitted to the Kempegowda police station.
Feeling threatened and unsafe, the woman began making calls to a family member and apprised them of the situation. Around this time, the driver allegedly also stopped at a petrol station, where he asked her to pay Rs 500 for fuel, claiming his payment app wasn’t working. At this point, fearing for her safety, called the emergency helpline, 112, and informed authorities of her location and the escalating situation.
The police responded quickly, reaching the airport in under 20 minutes. Upon realising the woman had contacted authorities, the driver finally agreed to return her to the airport. The police arrived shortly after, and the doctor was able to file a complaint against the driver.
In her complaint to the police, the woman described the driver’s behaviour as misleading and aggressive, saying she did not know if he was drunk or under the influence of any other substance. She recounted how she was forced to argue repeatedly to ensure her safety and avoid potential harm. The police report also noted that no female constables were available at the station, and she had to request a female officer from the airport authorities.
In a viral Twitter post with over 2 million views, Malik explained in comments: “I hope you understand you’re not safe travelling alone even in one of the most safest city in the country that too taking an airport cab, my fault? Just wanting to reach home asap without having doubts on the cab driver’s intentions.”
She also updated that as of now that the police have registered an FIR against the driver in the case.
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