Bengaluru: A womans terrifying ordeal after unknowingly boarding a fake Ola cab at Bengalurus Kempegowda International Airport has raised serious concerns about airport security and the safety of ride-hailing services. The incident, which took place late at night, highlights the risks faced by travelers relying on ride-sharing apps.The Incident: How It All UnfoldedThe woman arrived at the airport around 10:30 PM and booked an Ola cab from the designated pickup station. However, as she made her way to the car, a driver approached her, claiming to be the one assigned to her ride. Though she was initially cautious, she reluctantly entered the vehicle, assuming everything was in order.Things quickly took a disturbing turn. The driver failed to ask for the usual OTP (One-Time Password) required for authentication on the Ola app. Instead, he requested that she enter her destination into his own Maps app, claiming that the official app was malfunctioning. As the ride progressed, the driver made unexpected demands for extra fare, which the woman refused to pay. When she insisted on paying the regular fare, the driver suggested transferring her to another vehicle. Alarmed by his behavior, she asked to be returned to the airport.Escalating Tensions: A Narrow EscapeDespite her repeated requests, the driver ignored her and made an unscheduled stop at a petrol station, where he demanded ₹500 for fuel. Fearing for her safety, the woman remained calm and immediately contacted Indias emergency helpline, 112, while also keeping a family member informed about the situation.The police responded swiftly, apprehending the driver within 20 minutes at the airport pickup stand. The man was later identified as Basavaraj, and authorities took him into custody.I Almost Got Trafficked, Woman WritesIn a harrowing post on X (formerly Twitter), the woman shared the details of her experience, expressing her shock and fear. She wrote, Almost got trafficked/raped/looted/assaulted by a random cab driver who was let in by @BLRAirport in the Ola pickup station & impersonated to be one at terminal 1 of BLR airport at 10:30 pm. Had I not called 112, I wouldnt be here typing this.The post quickly went viral, with many expressing their outrage and sympathy. One user wrote, This is so scary, Im getting goosebumps reading your complaint letter. Another shared their own experience, adding, This exact thing happened to me a few months ago, and I got out after noticing the ride didnt show on the app.Growing Concerns Over Ride-Hailing SafetyThis alarming incident has raised awareness about the safety measures at Bengaluru Airport, especially concerning ride-hailing services like Ola and Uber. One commenter emphasized the vulnerability of passengers, stating, The airport is far away from the city and quite isolated. This could have been very serious. Reports of similar incidents have surfaced in Bengaluru, where women have reported being harassed or threatened by taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers. Experts urge authorities and ride-hailing companies to strengthen safety protocols to protect travelers.
