Pune: Writer Alleges Harassment By Uber Driver On Ride From Lohegaon Airport, Claims Luggage Was Withheld During Late-Night Ride
Pune: Writer Alleges Harassment By Uber Driver On Ride From Lohegaon Airport, Claims Luggage Was Withheld During Late-Night Ride
Pune, December 1, 2025: Author mer professor Madhu Purnima Kishwar, has shared a troubling experience involving an Uber driver during a late-night ride in Pune. Kishwar, who travelled from Pune Airport to the Chinmaya Vibhooti Centre, alleged that the driver behaved rudely, violated safety norms, and refused to return her luggage until the fare was paid.
Driver Ignored Safety Norms During the Ride
Kishwar posted the details on social media, stating that she booked an intercity Uber ride at around 8:35 pm on Wednesday for a distance of nearly 52 km. She alleged that the driver, identified as Gautam, was continuously engaged in heated phone conversations throughout the journey.
Despite her attempts to communicate, she claimed the driver remained unresponsive. According to her, although she did not disturb him, Uber guidelines prohibit drivers from being on long personal calls during rides.
Refused to Drop Her at the Suggested Location
Around 10:30 pm, the cab reached the main entrance of the Chinmaya Mission Centre. Kishwar said the driver abruptly informed her that his duty ended at the gate and she would have to make her way inside on her own. She requested to be dropped closer to the accommodation as she was carrying a suitcase and a backpack, and the campus was quite large. However, the driver allegedly refused angrily.
Once her room keys were collected and it was confirmed that the building was barely 100 metres ahead, the driver reportedly began shouting again, saying he didn’t want to “waste more time.” Kishwar said she pleaded with him, but his behaviour continued to be rude and aggressive.
Driver Attempted to Leave With Her Luggage
Things took a more alarming turn when the driver refused to hand over her luggage before receiving the payment. As some staff members from Chinmaya Mission came out to assist, they reportedly asked the driver to hand over the bags and then take the fare. Gautam allegedly shouted at them as well.
Moments later, the driver drove off with her luggage still in the trunk, claiming he was heading to a police station to complain that she had not paid. One of the mission staff members quickly alerted security at the main gate to ensure the cab did not leave the campus. The driver then called Kishwar in a threatening tone demanding that she make the payment.
Luggage Released Only After Payment
The guests who had invited Kishwar intervened and instructed the driver to return immediately. Gautam came back but insisted he would only release the luggage after receiving the fare. Kishwar then paid ₹1,700 against a bill of ₹1,693, after which her belongings were finally returned.
Kishwar Urges Uber to Review Driver’s Mental Fitness
Tagging Uber India and Uber Support on X (formerly Twitter), Kishwar questioned what might have happened if mission staff had not been present to help her, especially as the stretch of road leading to the centre was isolated and dark. She also expressed concerns about the driver’s mental state and urged Uber to take appropriate action, stating that such behaviour posed a serious safety risk.
