'Phir se maar k dikhaun kya': Mumbai woman alleges Uber driver slapped, threatened her for refusing to pay extra Rs 40 toll charge

NAVI MUMBAI: A 21-year-old woman, a digital creator from Wadala (East), Mumbai, had a harrowing experience while travelling in an Uber cab from Mahalaxmi to Nerul. Upon reaching her destination in Nerul, the driver allegedly demanded an additional Rs 40 in cash for toll charges. When she refused, he allegedly turned violent, slapped her, and intimidated her for refusing to pay the toll charges. The woman, identified as Shivanii, shared details of the incident in a social media post last week, though the incident occurred on April 22 and she had lodged a complaint against the Uber driver at the Nerul police station.Subsequently, a non-cognizable offence was registered against the accused driver, who was booked under relevant BNS sections for voluntarily causing hurt and intentional insult with the intent to provoke a breach of peace. In her social media post, the complainant claimed that she had booked an Uber cab ride from Mahalaxmi to Nerul through the Uber app, where the trip fare initially showed Rs 460. The fare was later updated to Rs 501 when the ride ended in Nerul at around 4 pm. She said she paid the fare online after reaching Nerul, when the driver demanded an additional Rs 40 in cash for toll charges. She refused, believing that the toll charges were already included in the trip fare. The driver allegedly insisted that she pay the additional amount, following which the dispute escalated. She further claimed that the driver attempted to prevent her from leaving the vehicle and became aggressive when she got out of the cab without paying the additional Rs 40. According to her, the driver came very close to her face during the argument, prompting her to push him away in self-defence. She alleged that the driver then turned violent, slapped her, twisted her hand, and continued to intimidate her by saying, "Phir se maar ke dikhaun kya?" She said what began as a disagreement over a small additional payment turned into a serious safety issue. She then contacted her office colleagues, who arrived at the spot to support her and ensure her safety. She also claimed that some bystanders who witnessed the altercation intervened to help her and resolve the dispute. The driver allegedly showed no remorse and continued threatening her even after others stepped in, she said.