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A cab driver from a ride-hailing platform in Singapore is facing an investigation following allegations of making a racist remark towards an Indian passenger.

The mobility company Grab initiated an investigation against the driver after an internet user posted on Instagram the details of a chat between a passenger and the driver, in which the latter asked the former to ‘go back to India’.

According to the Singaporean daily The Straits Times, the driver told the passenger he was not able to reach the pickup point due to nearby road works and advised the passenger not to wait. When the passenger asked the driver to cancel the ride, he enquired, “Are you Indian?” The driver then told the passenger, “Go back to India”.

The passenger, who was quoted on the Instagram profile, stated, “I work here and have been here for 10 years. What’s sad is that it’s so blatant and for no reason!”.

The passenger also mentioned that he contacted the company Grab and made a complaint about the incident, which, according to him, “was totally uncalled for and blatant racism”.

The company responded to The Straits Times, stating that they are investigating the incident and taking a strong stance against discriminatory behaviour and language on its platform.

However, the passenger added, “But then again, one bad apple doesn’t change my experience of Singapore. I love it and have had so many people reach out to apologise for what I experienced”.

The incident sparked a heated discussion online, with many on the internet calling for strict action against the driver.