Centre's Notice To Ola Over Air Force Veteran's Ill-Treatment In Cab
NDTV
The Ola driver reportedly used derogatory language and insisted the veteran and his wife leave the cab, refusing to accommodate his wheelchair
App-based cab operator Ola is under fire for the alleged ill-treatment of Wing Commander Shantanu, a para shooter and Indian Air Force (IAF) veteran. On Friday, the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) issued a notice to Ola Cabs for the "ill-treatment" meted out to the IAF officer. The CCPD sought clarification and response from Ola within 30 days after they hurt "the dignity of a person with a disability who happens to be a soldier and also a sportsperson."
The notice comes after the Ola cab driver allegedly denied access to the IAF veteran's wheelchair, despite his 80 per cent locomotor disability. According to the complaint filed with the CCPD, Wing Commander Shantanu booked an Ola cab for a short distance. His wife requested the driver to place the veteran's folded wheelchair in the back seat, a customary practice among cab drivers.
However, the driver, whose identity remains undisclosed, reportedly responded aggressively, using derogatory language. He insisted that the couple leave the cab, refusing to accommodate the wheelchair.
Feeling aggrieved and humiliated by this encounter, the Air Force veteran filed a complaint with the CCPD, seeking action against the driver.
