Ola in soup for denying to accept wheelchair of Air Force veteran; Center issues notice
PTC News Desk: Ola, an app-based cab service, is under fire for allegedly mistreating Wing Commander Shantanu, a para shooter and Indian Air Force (IAF) veteran.
The Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) issued a notice to Ola Cabs on Friday for the "ill-treatment" of the IAF officer. The CCPD demanded clarification and a response from Ola within 30 days after they infringed on "the dignity of a person with a disability who also happens to be a soldier and a sportsperson."
The notice comes after the Ola cab driver reportedly denied the IAF veteran access to his wheelchair, despite his 80% locomotor disability. Wing Commander Shantanu, according to the complaint, booked an Ola cab for a short distance. His wife requested that the veteran's folded wheelchair be placed in the back seat, as is common practice among cab drivers.
However, the driver, whose identity has not been revealed, allegedly reacted aggressively and used derogatory language. He insisted on the couple exiting the cab and refused to accommodate the wheelchair.
The Air Force veteran filed a complaint with the CCPD, seeking action against the driver, feeling aggrieved and humiliated by the incident.
Wing Commander Shantanu, a decorated IAF officer, was paralysed below the chest in a road accident in January 2017. Wing Commander Shantanu began his rehabilitation at MH Kirkee after being in a coma for two months. The following year, he not only overcame his disability but also began participating in water sports. He accomplished a remarkable feat by winning two gold medals in a state-level swimming competition organised by the Maharashtra Paralympic Swimming Association.
- With inputs from agencies
