An app cab driver was arrested on charges of sexual harassment of a passenger after an altercation between them over fare.

The incident happened on Central Avenue and Zakaria Street crossing on Monday evening when the woman was getting off the vehicle around 8.45pm. Police said the victim, in her early 30s, had boarded the cab at Golf Green.

In her police complaint, she said a relative had booked the cab and paid the fare online. However, when the woman was about to alight from the vehicle at her destination, the driver allegedly denied having received any online payment and demanded cash from the woman.

“The woman had told the driver that the payment had been made online and that he should check with the app cab system before demanding money. The driver, however, started an argument and demanded Rs 100 extra. When the woman was stepping out of the car, the driver allegedly pulled her by her hand and tried to detain her,” said an officer of Jorasanko police station, where the woman lodged her complaint.

Officers of the police station started a case for sexual harassment under Section 354A of the Indian Penal Code.

The driver was arrested on Monday night. The charges, if proved in court, could lead to a punishment of three years in jail.

Senior officers suggested that women travelling alone could set emergency phone numbers on speed dial in their mobile phones. They may carry pepper spray cans in their bags for self-defence, if needed, said an officer.

“We always encourage women to come out and report harassment cases,” said another officer.