PickMe driver arrested over harassment of passenger

A driver of the ride-hailing service PickMe, has been arrested for harassing a passenger in Colombo.

Lawyer, Nadhiha Abbas, said that she attended the inquiry at the Maligawatha Police Station this week where accused driver was also present.

“I submitted all the evidence and documents I had gathered against him. The Police recorded everything in detail, and my documentary evidence was officially marked as productions in the case. As the inquiry progressed, the driver began to realize the gravity of the situation. He repeatedly apologized, citing his mother’s diabetes and personal struggles. What shocked and deeply disturbed me was when he said, “If I had known you were a lawyer, I wouldn’t have done this to you.” That statement further fueled my determination — because this fight is not just about me as a lawyer — it’s about the safety, dignity, and rights of all women. Do we need to pass the Law College exam and wear the attorney’s gown just to be respected as women?” she said in a Facebook post.

Abbas said the Police asked her whether she was willing to settle but she was not ready for any compromise.

After reviewing all the evidence, the Police decided to proceed with criminal prosecution and the driver was subsequently arrested and was to be produced before court under Section 345 of the Penal Code.

“This is a step forward, not just in my case, but in the broader fight for accountability and women’s safety,” she added.

Abbas posted on social media earlier this month saying she was pursuing both a criminal case against the individual offender and a civil claim against PickMe for vicarious liability.

She said the incident occurred on 3rd July 2025 when she booked a PickMe ride from the FS visa office in Colombo to the Pettah Bus Stand to return to Puttalam.

The booking was confirmed, and the app provided the driver’s details: name – Mohamed Fahim, vehicle number – JH 5752.

However, another driver had arrived and called her from a private number instead of from the app and verbally abused her when she called back after initially not answering the several calls he made.

Nadhiha Abbas said that she took another taxi but was followed by the PickMe driver who abused her on the road.

The passenger said she asked her taxi driver to take her to the Police station where she lodged a complaint. (Colombo Gazette)