Rapido Driver Refuses Service to Muslim Passenger in Delhi, Sparks Outrage

A Rapido driver in Delhi refused to transport a Muslim passenger, citing religious discrimination, an incident that occurred on Saturday, March 21, 2026, as India celebrated Eid. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and prompted an apology from the ride-hailing company.

Details of the Incident

Zain, a journalist based in New Delhi and originally from Kerala, booked a Rapido cab. He was assigned to driver Subhash Rawat. According to Zain, when Rawat learned of his religious affiliation, he refused to complete the pickup. “Why are you saying I am not allowed? Due to the fact that I am a Muslim?” Zain reportedly asked. Rawat allegedly responded, “Yes, Muslims are not allowed in my vehicle. This is not your father’s vehicle,” and asked Zain to stop calling him.

Zain shared a recording of the conversation on social media, where it quickly went viral, prompting calls for action against the driver and accountability from Rapido. Rawat reportedly has a 4.5-star rating within the Rapido app.

Rapido’s Response

Rapido has issued a public apology, describing the driver’s behavior as “completely unacceptable.” The company stated it takes such incidents seriously and is reviewing the matter. “Your safety is our top priority, and we are committed to ensuring a respectful and secure experience for all our passengers,” Rapido said in a statement.

Previous Incident and Driver’s Motivation

According to a post on X (formerly Twitter), Subhash Rawat has previously stated he would not allow Muslims to enter his car, alleging a past incident where he was robbed and assaulted by individuals he identified as Muslim. This claim has not been independently verified by mainstream news sources.

Growing Concerns Over Discrimination

This incident raises concerns about rising Islamophobia and discrimination in India. While the country constitutionally guarantees religious freedom, reports of discrimination against Muslims have been increasing in recent years. The timing of the incident, coinciding with the Eid celebrations, has further amplified the outrage.