‘I took my suitcase and ran…’: Mumbai-based influencer shares terrifying experience with Delhi cab drivers

A Mumbai-based influencer, Ruchika Lohiya, has shared a distressing account of her recent experiences with cab drivers during a trip to Delhi, highlighting serious safety concerns for women travelling alone in the capital. In a widely viewed Instagram post, Ms Lohiya detailed two separate unsettling incidents involving Rapido and Uber drivers, which left her feeling deeply unsafe and traumatised.

Refusal to turn on AC leads to confrontation

Ms Lohiya described how she initially booked a Rapido ride from Delhi Airport and requested the driver to switch on the air conditioning. The driver refused angrily, stating, “It will be turned on at my will. If you need AC that badly, book another cab.” Following this unpleasant exchange, she approached Rapido’s help desk at the airport, where staff were courteous but unable to resolve the issue. Ultimately, she had to book an Uber to continue her journey to Noida.

Disturbing Uber incident triggers panic

During the Uber ride, Ms Lohiya said she briefly fell asleep but woke to find the driver filming her without consent. Initially unsure, she thought the driver might be watching one of her Instagram videos. However, she quickly realised he was recording her. Alarmed, she contacted her sister and shared details of the cab. Acting on her sister’s advice, Ms Lohiya feigned ignorance and told the driver she needed to hand something to a friend who had just arrived. She then grabbed her suitcase, exited the vehicle, and ran to a crowded area before booking another cab.

Public reaction and company responses

Describing the experience as “one of the mosttt unsafe places to visit,” Ms Lohiya lamented on Instagram, “don’t know when will it get better but it’s surely getting worse!” The video, posted just a day ago, has since amassed over 2 million views and ignited fresh debates on women’s safety in Delhi.

Both Rapido and Uber have responded publicly to the incident. Rapido apologised, stating, “We apologise for the trouble caused on your recent ride. This is not the kind of service we aim to provide. Kindly share your registered mobile number and ride ID via DM so that we can assist you further.” Uber added, “Hi Ruchika, this is extremely concerning to hear. Uber takes rider safety very seriously, so we'd like to look into this. Please DM us your Uber account and trip details so we can further investigate.”