New Delhi: A history of multiple criminal cases in Bihar failed to flag a driver who easily secured employment with app-based cab aggregators. Now accused of the rape and murder of a 10-year-old homeless girl, his seamless onboarding highlights a dangerous loophole in the background verification processes used by major ride-hailing aggregator platforms.While drivers themselves admit that loopholes in the registration process can be exploited, commuters have also reported instances where the details displayed on the app are different from the person or vehicle that actually arrives for the ride.“Once, the name and photo didn’t match the cab driver who came to pick me up,” a commuter, 23-year-old Radhika Kashyap, told TOI. “Often, I have to ask around to confirm who the driver is because there are mismatches in the number plates.”According to registration requirements listed on various aggregator websites, drivers may be asked to submit documents such as PAN or Aadhaar card, driving licence, vehicle registration certificate, insurance papers, address proof and commercial permits. Some platforms also require a no-objection certificate (NOC) or affidavit if the vehicle is registered in another person’s name. Most platforms state they conduct background verification through third-party agencies and internal screening processes, along with facial recognition-based photo verification.However, driver representatives say these checks may not amount to comprehensive police verification. Sanjay Samrat, president of Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transporters Association, said, “Aggregators that fail to conduct adequate background checks should also be held equally accountable in such cases.”On their websites, aggregators claim to conduct multiple checks before onboarding drivers. However, requirements vary significantly across platforms, creating inconsistencies that can be exploited.Ravinder Singh Rathore, vice-chairman and president of Delhi Auto Taxi Transport Union, pointed out that since a few years, drivers of commercial vehicles weighing under 7,500kg are no longer required to hold a commercial driving licence.“The Supreme Court ruling was intended to simplify insurance claims for accident victims. While most aggregators require commercially registered vehicles with yellow number plates, not all platforms insist on a commercial licence,” he said.TOI reached out to several cab aggregator apps, but there was no response.Another method used by aggregators for checks is facial verification. Chandrakesh Upadhyay, joint secretary of Delhi Auto Taxi Transport Union and a cab driver himself, said drivers are periodically required to complete facial verification checks through the app.“Daily facial confirmations are undertaken wherein the driver is expected to be seated inside the vehicle. These prompts appear after a few rides,” he said. However, photos of the vehicle are only necessary during the initial registration.Ride-hailing companies also claim to employ safety measures, such as GPS tracking of trips, passenger feedback and rating systems, periodic document re-verification and, in some cases, follow-up calls to passengers to confirm they have reached their destination safely.However, for passengers, the issue goes beyond paperwork. Every mismatch between the driver shown on the screen or the number plate displayed and what is before their eyes chips away at trust in a system that millions rely on daily.
