‘Beat up Muslim passengers’: SC lawyer flags ‘Sanatani’ Ola driver
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New Delhi: A senior Supreme Court lawyer has accused a cab driver operating through Ola of making Islamophobic remarks and issuing threats during a ride in the national capital, raising concerns about passenger safety and platform accountability, a report by The Wire stated.
The incident allegedly took place on March 15, 2026, when advocate Saif Mahmood booked a ride from Greater Kailash in south Delhi to Max Mueller Bhavan in central Delhi. According to Mahmood, the driver began a casual conversation that soon turned into a disturbing exchange marked by communal remarks and claims of past violence against Muslim passengers.
Mahmood stated that the driver identified himself as a follower of Sanatan beliefs and spoke disparagingly about certain communities. During the ride, the driver allegedly recounted incidents in which he claimed to have physically assaulted Muslim passengers. In one instance, he reportedly described attacking a passenger for consuming non-vegetarian food in his vehicle, allegedly stopping en route and assaulting the individual with the involvement of others present. Mahmood said the driver narrated these incidents in a manner that glorified violence and suggested justification for such actions.
The driver also allegedly referred to another incident in Noida where he claimed to have assaulted a passenger over a conversation involving a right-wing organisation, again implying the victim’s Muslim identity. Mahmood emphasised that the repeated references to religion and the tone of the conversation appeared to be an intentional attempt to intimidate him.
Following the incident, Mahmood issued a legal notice to Ola and its CEO, Bhavish Aggarwal, seeking clarity on the company’s safety protocols, non-discrimination policies, and the nature of action taken against the driver. He expressed concern about broader public safety and the potential for communal targeting by individuals operating on ride-hailing platforms.
In response, Ola acknowledged the complaint and stated that the driver had been suspended for unsafe behaviour. However, Mahmood described the response as inadequate, noting that the company did not address specific questions regarding policy safeguards or whether the suspension was permanent. He also claimed that a subsequent call from a company representative offered no additional clarity, with officials reportedly declining to share details of internal policies.
Mahmood has indicated that he intends to pursue legal action, arguing that the incident goes beyond a routine service complaint and highlights serious concerns about rider safety and communal intimidation. Ola has yet to provide a detailed public response addressing the specific allegations.
