How the Uber rape could’ve been prevented at various stages, but wasn’t

Delhi police have filed an FIR (first information report) under Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which relates to cheating. “In investigations so far, it emerged that the company cheated their customer on the pretext of providing safe commuting with duly verified driver,” deputy commissioner of police (north) Madhur Verma told PTI.

Uber driver was also arrested for rape in 2013 http://t.co/azgK820aMh

— TOI India (@TOIIndiaNews) December 9, 2014

The reference is to the claim on the Uber site that its drivers have been screened. “Every ride-sharing driver is thoroughly screened through a rigorous process we’ve developed using constantly improving standards. The specifics vary depending on what local governments allow, but within each city we operate, we aim to go above and beyond local requirements to ensure your comfort and security.” This is what Uber’s users are told but apparently the checking is cursory at best.

Uber’s general manager, marketing, Gagan Bhatia appeared before Delhi police yesterday to answer questions. According to police, there was no clarity on how many of the 4,000 Uber drivers in Delhi have been verified by cops or have licenses.

It is worth pointing out here that police verification and transport licensing systems lack rigor in India. So it’s not as though they will screen out all criminal elements. I have myself come across a number of people who got licenses or certificates from police without undergoing any checks.

Even the accused Uber driver Shiv Kumar Yadav had a “character certificate” from a senior police official, even though he had a string of criminal cases registered against him.

No action on policeman who issued character certificate in Aug, he spent 7mnths jailtime for rape. #DelhiShamedAgain pic.twitter.com/eh7p6Qn0MR

— AAP Youth Wing Delhi (@AAPYouthwing) December 8, 2014