Noida: A video capturing a confrontation between a woman journalist, Shivangi Shukla, and a cab driver has gained significant attention online, centering around a dispute about a fare difference of 95 paise. In the footage, the driver confronted Shukla about her refusal to pay the full fare, with the driver suggesting that her profession as a journalist influenced her decision not to pay. The exchange escalated as the journalist accused the driver of being rude, while he claimed she threatened him.
Activist Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj shared the incident online, prompting Shukla to provide her perspective through a detailed social media thread. In the video, the cab driver can be heard questioning Shukla about her refusal to pay, to which she responds that he is speaking rudely. He refers to her as ‘didi’ (sister in Hindi) and the situation leads to Shukla requesting to resolve the matter at a nearby police station. The driver consents but insists on driving only after she specifies the drop-off location as the police station.
Who is this Journalist threatening @Uber_India driver of police action just because he asked her to pay the fare ? Plz identify her & ask her to travel in bus if she doesn’t want to pay
Also – in public interest, please ask every cab driver you meet to install cameras pic.twitter.com/PA9qqdBluJ
— Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj (@DeepikaBhardwaj) March 21, 2025
The activist, Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj further added in the comment section tagging Shivangi Shukla asking if this is really her and called her out for ‘misuse of power’.
Hi @Shivangi_SNews people tell me this is you.
If you are, what a pathetic misuse of power over a poor cab driver. You shouldn’t be threatening people just because ur a journalist. Dragging him to police station for what? Snatching his phone? Terrible to say the least!
— Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj (@DeepikaBhardwaj) March 21, 2025
To which Shukla replied that “Ms Deepika, this case is pending with @Uber_India and the story is not complete”
Ms Deepika, this case is pending with @Uber_India and the story is not complete. It was the driver who refused to take the payment and said sorry to me after behaving rudely. He also got his phone back. I advise you to be cautious as the case is with Uber with all video proof.
— Shivangi Shukla (@Shivangi_SNews) March 21, 2025
Shukla recounted that the incident took place in the isolated outskirts of Noida. She detailed how she attempted to pay the fare of ₹129.95 through UPI but mistakenly entered ₹129, which led the driver to demand the remaining 95 paise aggressively. According to her, the driver became hostile, raising alarm bells and making her feel unsafe. As she began recording the encounter, the driver’s behavior changed.
She further accused the driver of attempting to manipulate her emotionally by stating that journalists are wealthy and should “give some” to them. Shukla clarified that she identified as just a journalist, asserting her empathy towards the driver’s situation. She criticized his erratic behavior and the false narrative he constructed during the argument. This incident has sparked discussions about the treatment of individuals based on their professions and the dynamics of service interactions in contemporary society.
The video below shows how he is becomes hostile despite not following the map directions. He started screaming and only when I started recording he calmed down. I asked why are you aggressive over 95 paisa? Suddenly, he started driving, i thought he is trying to kidnap me ! pic.twitter.com/Dap5GCdqsn
— Shivangi Shukla (@Shivangi_SNews) March 22, 2025
The incident unfolded when a woman driver accused an Uber driver of intimidation, although he was not in an Uber uniform and didn’t match the profile picture on the app. Feeling threatened, she took his phone and exited the vehicle for her safety. As the situation escalated, the driver allegedly apologized to her over the phone, to which she responded by offering compensation that he reportedly declined before walking away. In a recorded exchange, the driver mentioned, “I apologised twice. Be happy that you cheated me off Rs 130,” indicating frustration over a fare dispute.
The woman emphasized that her comments on being a journalist were not the crux of the issue; rather, she was advocating for the safety of women, stating that many lack a voice in such situations. She expressed concern that it could easily be someone close to the reader facing a similar predicament and insisted that the driver’s behavior highlighted a larger issue that needed exposure.
A thread: Since many of you are demanding what happened, here it is. Out of ethics, I’ve blurred the @Uber Drivers face. @Uber_India
I was travelling back from a desolate and outskirts area of Noida.I asked the Uber driver to drop me at the exact location as mentioned in the…
— Shivangi Shukla (@Shivangi_SNews) March 22, 2025
Despite her claims, online sentiment largely sided with the driver. Some users argued he was justified in his actions, criticizing her for misrepresenting the situation.
One user suggested that if the woman objected to paying a small fare, she should utilize alternative transportation methods. Another commented on the perceived lack of substance in her arguments, stating that no rude behavior was exhibited by the driver and suggesting that her portrayal of the incident was misleading.
Then he called a suspicion mysterious person on the phone who tutored him. Suddenly his mood changed and he said sorry. I tried to give him money but he said he does not want it. He said he does not want any money on camera and walked away. pic.twitter.com/YmnHtEjwgp
— Shivangi Shukla (@Shivangi_SNews) March 22, 2025
Criticism continued with users expressing disbelief at the journalist’s stance, labeling her perspectives as an exaggerated response to what they viewed as a simple dispute regarding payment. They remarked on the driver’s respectful demeanor throughout the confrontation and noted that calling attention to gender dynamics in this context wasn’t warranted. Ultimately, the commentary reflected a sharp division in public opinion over the incident, with many users supporting the driver and questioning the woman’s motives and emotional response.
Netizen’s React
Netizens are
Mam, he was not rude. you could have easily paid Rs.1 on UPI if he has insisted within 2 sec instead of wasting time as even 1 paisa is his hard earned money.
— S D (@SD274761532648) March 22, 2025
How can you be so nasty & highly strung ! Shame on you, can’t believe you’re from @republic tv !
— Sanjay Lazar (@sjlazars) March 21, 2025
@republic take strict action against her, make her an exmaple to set some accountability in journalists as well.
Freedom of expression? She is snatching away a cab driver’s phone. Pathetic
— Cluelessly Flawless (@AamitMishr26976) March 21, 2025
Kaha rudely baat kar raha woh.. Aur agar woh 95 paise lene ko ada hai.. Online de kyu nahi deti.. Par aapka ego hurt hogaya.. Fir apne mobile nikal ke shoot karne lagi.. Apki video mein woh sirf apne 95 paise mang raha hai.. Aur aap use baatamiz bol rahi ho.. Women card khela hai
— Durgesh Bawa (@durgesh_bawa9) March 22, 2025
It looks like a conflict over drop location and Uber driver is pretty aggressive himself. One sided biased video. Let’s not make it about poor vs privileged and blow out of proportion please.
— Gee (@MusingGee) March 22, 2025
Exactly @Shivangi_SNews You were clearly rude, as shown in the video.
— Kuldeep Kumar (@Kuldeepkr1704) March 21, 2025
