A shocking incident from the popular hill station has renewed concern over rising hostility between local cab operators and outstation drivers. On 15 November, a disturbing video went viral showing a group of local drivers brutally assaulting an outstation cab driver after allegedly trapping him through an online ride-booking app. The footage has triggered widespread outrage and raised urgent questions about tourist safety, transport regulation and law enforcement in the region.
Assault caught on camera sparks widespread outrage
According to eyewitness accounts and details visible in the viral clip, the confrontation began when a group of local drivers searched for outstation cabs available on platforms such as Ola and Uber. They allegedly booked a trip with the intention of luring the victim to a pre-planned location. The unsuspecting driver accepted the ride, believing it to be a legitimate customer request, and reached the designated pick-up point while he was in the area having breakfast.
The moment he arrived, multiple local drivers surrounded his vehicle. The video shows one of the accused, identified as Sonya Gupta, repeatedly hitting the driver and aggressively vandalising the cab. The victim, visibly terrified, pleads for mercy and repeatedly tries to explain that he was not operating illegally in the area but simply responded to a ride request on his app. Despite this, the attackers continued the assault, hitting him and damaging the car’s exterior.
The video, recorded by one of the attackers, captures the intensity of the violence—the driver shielding his head, pleading for help, and trying to escape the blows. The recording also shows the cab’s windscreen and exterior being damaged during the confrontation.
Police detain main accused after video triggers action
Once the clip spread across social media, public anger quickly escalated. Citizens tagged Maharashtra government officials, media houses and local authorities, seeking immediate intervention and safety assurances for outstation drivers who legally operate ride-hailing services.
Following the uproar, the Lonavala police acted swiftly and detained the main accused, Sonya Gupta, for interrogation. Officials confirmed that the investigation is underway and additional accused involved in the mob assault are being identified.
The police have assured that strict action will be taken under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code for assault, vandalism and unlawful assembly. Authorities also stated that measures are being strengthened to prevent such incidents in tourist-heavy zones.
Not an isolated incident, claim cab drivers
The viral video has prompted several outstation cab drivers to speak out. Many allege that such assaults are not new and that similar incidents have occurred multiple times, particularly during the peak tourist season when competition for passengers intensifies.
Drivers operating through Ola and Uber claim they are often harassed or threatened by groups allegedly linked to local transport associations. They say they face pressure not to pick up passengers from Lonavala, Khandala and nearby tourist points. Some drivers say they avoid the region altogether due to fear of confrontation.
The recurring tension reportedly stems from long-standing turf disputes between local taxi unions and app-based cab aggregators. While local operators argue that outstation cabs cut into their income, Ola and Uber drivers counter that they operate legally under state transport regulations and cannot refuse rides based on location.
Tourist safety and transport regulation under scrutiny
Tourists and citizens have expressed concern that such violent incidents threaten public safety in a region that attracts lakhs of visitors annually. Several social media users have demanded a clear set of guidelines for both local and outstation cab operators, along with stricter monitoring by police.
Legal experts state that deliberate entrapment, assault and property damage, as seen in the video, constitute serious offences. They also warn that such incidents can severely damage Lonavala’s reputation as a family-friendly tourist destination.
Need for long-term resolution
The incident underscores the need for regulatory clarity and peaceful coexistence between local and app-based taxi services. While authorities have taken initial action, drivers and travellers say more must be done to prevent future clashes.
As investigations continue, the case has become a crucial reminder of the need for safe transportation systems, transparent policy enforcement and stronger protections for gig-economy workers who rely on app-based platforms for their livelihood.