Mumbai Cab Driver Forces Doctor To Chant 'Jai Shri Ram'; Cab Service Provider Apologises

Reflecting the growing intolerance in society, a senior doctor in Mumbai was asked to chant “Jai Shri Ram” by a cab driver for trip confirmation. The incident happened when oncologist Dr. AK Pathan booked a cab through an online app-based cab service called inDrive.

Dr Pathan was booking a cab to travel to Nashik to attend a wedding during this weekend. When he asked the driver to pick him from Haji Ali, the latter said in a reply text that he is a “Rambhakt” and need to chant “Jai Shree Ram” to confirm his booking.

The doctor did not choose to respond to the text or chose to respond to the text, The Free Press Journal reports. “I chose to ignore and not respond to the provocation by the driver. It reflects a growing intolerance in society. I did not take the ride. It is crucial for us to promote understanding and acceptance among diverse communities,”  he said.

“I have no issues with “Jai Shri Ram” or any other salutations but it should not be forced,” cancer specialist added.

Continuing further, he said that when he tried to report the incident on inDrive app support option, the driver canceled the ride. “We need to build a more inclusive society with dialogue and empathy to prioritise respect and compassion in our interactions,” Dr Pathan said.

Later, inDrive apologised to the Doctor for the cab driver”s intolerance and insensitivity to other faiths while undertaking rides.

“inDrive executives were apologetic and promised to take appropriate action on the errant driver. The cab aggregator also assured that proper training and workshops will be held for drivers and transport partners to be tolerant and respect other faiths,” The Free Press Journal quotes as Dr Pathan is saying.