Mumbai woman claims Uber driver slapped her, company blocks her, then says sorry

A Mumbai-based content creator has claimed that she was physically assaulted by an Uber driver after refusing to pay an additional Rs 40 in cash during a ride from Mahalaxmi to Nerul.

The incident, which she detailed in a three-part video on Instagram, has sparked outrage online and prompted a response from Uber India.

The woman, identified as Shivanii, claimed the dispute began when the driver demanded an extra Rs 40 for toll charges over and above the fare shown on the app.

According to her, the fare displayed on Uber was Rs 501, and she questioned why she was being asked to make an additional cash payment outside the platform. What began as a disagreement over the fare soon escalated into a frightening confrontation.

In the caption accompanying her video, Shivanii alleged that the driver became aggressive after she refused to pay.

“The fare on the app was Rs 501. The driver demanded an extra Rs 40 — off the app. When I refused, he stepped closer to intimidate me. I pushed back,” she wrote.

She further claimed that the argument turned physical.

“What followed was not just an argument. He slapped me. He grabbed and twisted my hand, hurting me. And then said — Phir se maar ke dikhaun kya? (should I hit you again?),” she alleged.

Watch the video here:

According to Shivanii, the driver also prevented her from leaving the vehicle during the altercation. She said she immediately contacted her office team for help, following which colleagues arrived at the location to assist her.

“This is not a ‘service issue’. This is a safety issue,” she wrote while tagging Uber India and urging the company to take the matter seriously.

In another part, Shivanii shared screenshots to prove how Uber India sided with the driver and blocked her account. She also shared proof about how her chats were deleted as per the company’s convenience.

See the post:

As the video gained traction online, Uber responded publicly in the comments section and reinstated her account.

“Safety is our top priority, and any form of physical harm or intimidation has no place on the Uber platform,” the company wrote. Uber added that it strongly condemned the driver's alleged actions and said it had taken appropriate action in accordance with its policies.

The company also confirmed that Shivanii's account had been reinstated and stated that it would continue to provide support as she engaged with law enforcement authorities.

The incident has triggered strong reactions on social media, with many users expressing concern over passenger safety. Several called for strict action against the driver, while others urged ride-hailing platforms to strengthen grievance redressal systems and ensure quicker intervention in cases involving alleged assault and intimidation.