A Delhi-based content creator from Assam said that she had a disturbing experience on a Rapido Auto ride after the driver was caught watching obscene videos on his mobile phone while transporting her.
It has fuelled local sentiments that passenger safety and the conduct of app-based transport drivers are not acceptable.
Sukanya Das, who is originally from Assam and lives in Delhi, says the incident took place while she was travelling from Safdarjung to Model Town in a Rapido Auto. Das, who writes about Assam's culture, food and lifestyle, said the driver began acting suspiciously soon after the journey started.
She added that after driving a short distance, the driver began watching explicit videos on his smartphone. He would often keep looking at her through the rear-view mirror and stare at her as well; she said he would then switch his eyes between the phone and the rear-view mirror and then look at her during the ride.
At the beginning, she said she ignored it and hoped the journey would end without any trouble.
The situation got worse when the auto stopped at a red traffic signal, Das said. Another woman passing by on a motorcycle noticed the driver looking up videos on his phone and immediately alerted her. She said the passerby told Das that the driver was viewing inappropriate content while driving.
After receiving the warning, Das confronted the driver and asked him what he had been watching on his phone. She said the driver initially denied the accusation and claimed he had done nothing wrong.
But when she informed him that she would contact her family members and report the matter to the police, the driver did admit to watching obscene videos while they were on the ride, she said.
Das later posted the details of the incident online, and her post was immediately covered by social media. She received praise for her decision to confront the driver and the anonymous woman who alerted her to the traffic signal.
A Woman confronted Auto Rickshaw driver over watching obscene videos on phone: pic.twitter.com/E0tWqpRwPR
— Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) August 3, 2026
Others expressed concern over distracted driving and the safety of passengers, especially women travelling alone.
The incident has rekindled discussion over the responsibilities of commercial drivers in the use of app-based transport services. Mobile phone use while driving has long been seen as an issue of road safety risk, and road safety experts warn that watching videos while driving is particularly dangerous because it takes drivers’ full attention away from the road.
Although Rapido and the authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the allegations at the time of writing, many users have since the incident called for a thorough investigation into the allegations.
They have also asked transport authorities to strengthen driver monitoring and take more action against those who have been found to be violating safety standards.
The incident is a reminder for passengers to stay alert during their journeys and report any unsafe or inappropriate behaviour.
Prompt reporting can lead to investigations into the complaints being made and improve safety standards for all users of public and app-based transport services.
