Uber tells Delhi rape victim 'We're back', govt says company still banned

New York: Uber rape victim’s lawyer today expressed surprise at the re-entry of the taxi service firm in Delhi, saying he is not confident that the “India-specific safety measures” the company assures of putting in place will prevent another attack on its passengers. [caption id=“attachment_2062151” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  AFP[/caption] Douglas Wigdor said that Uber had the “audacity” to send an email directly to his client in which it said that it has re-entered the market in Delhi, only weeks after the tragic incident with the young woman and during the criminal trial of the Uber driver. A day after applying for a fresh licence under the modified rules of the 2006 Radio Taxi Scheme, Uber sent emails to its customers in Delhi, claiming, “We’re back, to serve you and get you moving once again,” noted this Indian Express report. The report noted that the Uber rape victim is “very upset” and “surprised” at the “audacity” of Uber copying her on an email it sent to its customers on Friday. The US-based online service was barred from plying in the city days after one of its passengers was sexually assaulted by a driver last month. “While we have no doubt that Uber is focused on it’s bottomline, we are surprised by this development as we had made it clear to Uber that the rape victim wanted to be part of a consultation process regarding safety procedures to ensure that no other person becomes a victim at the hands of an Uber driver. “Most unfortunately, this has not happened and we have no confidence that the touted ‘India-specific safety measures’ will prevent another attack,” said Wigdor. Wigdor, a prominent New York lawyer, has been hired to represent the 26-year-old woman executive allegedly raped by an Uber driver in New Delhi in early December. Wigdor had said that he had met “extensively” with the woman and her family while in Delhi and “I can only compliment them for their bravery and fortitude during this very difficult time.” He said he will use “all of our resources to vindicate my client’s rights, hold those responsible for their actions and ensure that this doesn’t happen again.” Uber has restarted services in Delhi after a ban following rape allegations against one of its drivers, but a government official said the company remains blacklisted. Uber’s app showed taxis available for booking in New Delhi on Friday. according to reports, Uber had applied for a radio taxi licence. However, a senior government official told Reuters that Uber was still banned in New Delhi and its taxis would be impounded. “We have already directed enforcement teams to act on this,” said the senior transport official, who requested anonymity as he was not authorised to speak with media. Uber has said it will improve passenger safety by introducing additional measures including more stringent driver checks, an in-app emergency button and a dedicated incident response team. India is Uber’s largest market outside the US. With inputs from PTI