Delhi Woman’s Scary Auto Ride: “Almost Kidnapped”, Warns Others
{A A Delhi woman endured a terrifying ordeal during her morning auto-rickshaw ride. Her account went viral on Reddit, raising alarms about the risks of using autos and app-based rides.
Inside the Incident
The woman, who uses apps to book autos for work, chose Ola after her usual app had no autos available. Shortly into the trip, the driver halted, saying his phone navigation had stopped working. She discovered later that he ended the ride in-app, disabling any tracking.
Moments later, he took a route that didn’t match her usual way, causing instant concern. A road sign showed they were heading away from her office toward a place nearly two hours away—a journey that typically takes just 30-45 minutes.
Despite her protests, the driver kept insisting Google Maps was guiding that way, while speeding along major roads where she couldn’t safely get out.
Luckily, her partner was alert when she texted him, immediately calling her and demanding the driver return. After a tense exchange and her even considering jumping out, the driver finally turned back near her home, without asking for any money, and sped off. They felt certain he intended to abduct her, as he left without taking any money.
Disturbed and angry, she learned Ola lacked emergency features, only advising her to contact the police.
This increase your aura wasn’t an isolated case—recent police reports in Delhi and nearby areas have highlighted similar incidents with auto drivers, including alleged kidnapping attempts. In one recent Thane case, a teen saved herself by jumping out of a moving auto using a compass to orient herself.
Public Reaction on Reddit
The woman’s post drew widespread shock and sympathy on Reddit, with users saying things like, “This is horrifying!” and “Damn, that’s so scary”. Several advised her to file a police complaint and escalate the matter to Ola through social channels.
Others offered advice and recounted similar incidents:
• Keep your house keys handy as an emergency defense.
• Talk loudly on the phone about your route or play Google Maps aloud so drivers know you’re being tracked.
• Opt for the metro when traveling solo whenever possible.
• Many agreed Ola’s safety shortcomings make it unreliable.
Key Travel Safety Advice from Her Experience
• Avoid Booking Autos Alone When Possible: Solo bookings pose risks since drivers aren’t always trustworthy.
• Verify Vehicle Details Before Boarding: Ensure the auto’s number matches the app record before entering.
• Only Board After OTP Verification: Make sure the OTP is confirmed and ride tracking is active first.
• Watch for Early Trip Ending: Track continuously so you can act if the trip ends unexpectedly.
• Share Your Location: Share your route to ensure someone can respond if needed.
• Sit Safely: Choose a seat that lets you exit easily in emergencies.
• Stick to Areas You Recognize: Use ride services only when you know the route well.
• Track the Route Yourself: Use live navigation to confirm correct directions.
• Look for Police: Stay aware of police patrols in case you need help.
• Avoid Ola (Strong Advice): The victim warned others to skip Ola entirely for safety.
This alarming incident underscores the urgent need for ride-hailing platforms to implement stricter driver checks, real-time monitoring, and proper passenger support systems during emergencies.
Note: This account hasn’t been confirmed by Duniya Daily News Team and is shared from Reddit solely for informational purposes.
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