Following the alleged attempt at kidnapping of a woman by an Ola driver in Bengaluru, Karnataka State Transport Minister DC Thamanna has stated that the government will soon start its own app-based taxi service.
Speaking to TNM he said, “There have been a lot of pressing issues concerning women’s safety. In spite of repeated complaints to Ola and Uber officials, they are not taking up measures to do proper background checks of their drivers.”
He further added that the new government-based app would ensure that drivers enlisted would undergo a series of thorough background checks in order to curb such issues.
Recently, Deputy Chief Minister Dr G Parameshwara met representatives from Ola and Uber in order to ask them to include extensive background checks of their drivers and gender sensitivity training in their modules.
“Time and again Ola and Uber have not followed the guidelines prescribed by our department,” added Thamanna.
Last week, a 30-year-old woman was allegedly abducted by her Ola driver, while on the way to the airport. She was rescued by toll-gate officials and motorists near Kempegowda International Airport toll plaza on Ballari Road after she was heard screaming and banging on the window.
The driver, 28-year-old Suresh, a native of Andhra Pradesh, was later booked by police officials for outraging the modesty of a woman, kidnapping, and driving under the influence of alcohol.
"We are deeply disturbed to know about the incident. The cab involved has been removed from our platform. We are extending all needed support to the customer. Additionally, we are also engaging with the police to lend assistance in their ongoing investigation," said Ola in an official statement following the incident.
The incident incident came hardly a month after another woman was allegedly molested and forced to strip for photos by another Ola driver. The police later arrested the driver, identified as Arun V, based on the information provided by the woman.