A group of app-based taxi drivers across Gurugram went on strike on March 23, demanding mandatory KYC verification of customers. Drivers gathered outside Sector 46 on Saturday and highlighted incidents of assaults and threats that left them helpless.
Drivers said on Saturday that the protest aims to address safety risks posed by fake or unverified passengers who abuse or assault them during trips.
Mandatory KYC claims
Drivers are demanding the introduction of Know Your Customer (KYC) policy to reduce incidents of attacks on drivers. Taxi driver Preet Kumar said aggregators must provide a know-your-customer (KYC) policy. He noted that while drivers have to undergo the stringent KYC process, customers are not obligated to do so. “What about our safety? We also need to be protected from fake passengers,” he said.
There is no grievance redressal system
Taxi drivers also highlighted the lack of a grievance redressal system, stating that there were instances where customers misbehaved, but there was no proper system in place to deal with them. “Where are we supposed to report such incidents?” The driver asked.
Safety features are still questionable
While each cabin is equipped with safety features including SOS buttons for both drivers and passengers, drivers have questioned their effectiveness. They highlighted several instances where security features were unable to provide timely assistance, leaving them vulnerable.
The drivers also pointed to a recent incident with 25-year-old Suraj Singh, who was strangled to death inside his car. The accident occurred in January this year. Suraj was throttled by passengers who had booked a flight from Sector 37.
Meanwhile, the strike, which also began on Saturday, led to major unrest in parts of Gurugram. While booking a cab to the nearest metro station usually takes around a minute, she had to wait 10 to 15 minutes due to the strike, said Rishika Tiwari, a resident of Sector 38.
