LUCKNOW: A 30-year-old Dalit cab driver in Lucknow has alleged {that a} ride-hailing platform suspended his account for “99 years and 11 months” after he requested 4 passengers to get out of his car for repeatedly utilizing casteist slurs throughout a journey earlier this week.Ankit Kumar, a diploma holder in mechanical engineering who drives a cab to help his household, mentioned he had no prior acquaintance with the passengers and didn’t know their caste or faith.Based on him, the dispute arose after the passengers allegedly made repeated derogatory remarks a few senior officer, referring to his caste and questioning his competence.The incident occurred on Monday morning after Ankit picked up 4 passengers from Utrahtia railway station for a experience to Charbagh railway station.“The passengers have been initially abusing a senior officer. I didn’t intrude till they began repeatedly utilizing casteist slurs and linking the officer’s skills to his caste,” Ankit instructed TOI on Sunday when he claimed that his licence had been suspended.A resident of the PGI space within the metropolis, Ankit mentioned he repeatedly urged the passengers to cease utilizing caste-based slurs and reminded them that an individual’s functionality had nothing to do with caste. “I requested them a number of occasions to withdraw their remarks, however they continued,” he mentioned.Claiming he belongs to the neighborhood that was being focused within the dialog, Ankit mentioned he ultimately stopped his cab close to Telibagh market and requested all 4 passengers to deboard.A video of the confrontation later surfaced on social media and was broadly shared. Within the footage, Ankit is seen arguing with the passengers over the alleged casteist feedback.Based on Ankit, an argument broke out after the passengers obtained off the car, attracting native residents. He alleged that he was verbally abused in the course of the confrontation, which befell close to a police outpost.Following the video’s circulation, Ankit mentioned he has been receiving abusive and threatening messages on social media.“Persons are questioning why I objected and requested the passengers to go away. I’ve been receiving threats and abusive messages ever because the video went viral,” he mentioned.Ankit additional alleged that the ride-hailing platform suspended his driver account after the passengers lodged a criticism, with out first in search of his model of occasions.“The corporate didn’t contact me earlier than taking motion. My account now exhibits a suspension interval of 99 years and 11 months,” he claimed.The suspension has hit Ankit’s livelihood laborious, he mentioned. He’s the only incomes member in his household. His father works as a daily-wage labourer, whereas his mom is a homemaker.The ride-hailing platform’s response to the allegations couldn’t be instantly ascertained.
