KOCHI: Online taxi provider Uber has banned the three women involved in assaulting a taxi driver from accessing its app and availing themselves of its taxi service any further. Uber India (Kerala) general manager Nithin Nair told ‘Express’ the company would also fully cooperate with the police investigation.
According to Nithin, as per the norms of uberPOOL (the share riding facility of Uber), two bookings can be made for a taxi car going towards the same destination. Only two passengers can be accommodated in one booking and the number of passengers has to be mentioned while completing the booking procedure using the app.
“In the incident that took place on Wednesday, three persons wanted to travel after making a booking. When the driver objected to this, he was attacked,” Nithin said. Uber would prohibit the women from accessing and availing of any Uber service. The mobile number used to book the Uber taxi by the accused would also be put in blacklist on a permanent basis. “The accused persons using the same number cannot avail of Uber taxi service any more,” he said. Similarly, the Uber authorities in Kerala will meet the car driver who was attacked by the women and necessary assistance will be provided.
“What has happened is totally unacceptable. Violence in any form is against the spirit of our community guidelines and we have barred the riders from accessing the app. We are cooperating with the law enforcement authorities and assisting the driver partner as best as possible,” an Uber spokesperson said.
It was on Wednesday the police arrested three women - Angel Mary, 36, and Clara Shibin, 28, both hailing from Alakode in Kannur and Sheeja Afsal, 30, from Pathanamthitta, for assaulting the taxi driver and attempting to disrobe him. The incident occurred at Vyttila around 11 am. The accused were released on bail issued from the Maradu police station.