Shocking Auto-Rickshaw Incident in Delhi: Woman Warns Others After Near Kidnapping
{A A Delhi woman endured a terrifying ordeal during her morning auto-rickshaw ride. She shared her experience on Reddit, sparking widespread concern about safety for those relying on ride-hailing apps and autos.
What Happened
Relying on app-based rides for her daily travel, she switched to Ola that day as her usual app had no options. Moments into the journey, the driver pulled over, saying his phone had stopped showing directions. She discovered later that he ended the ride in-app, disabling any tracking.
He then steered the auto down an unfamiliar road, immediately raising her suspicions. She noticed they were traveling in the opposite direction toward a location almost two hours away, instead of her usual short route.
When she told him to turn around, he kept repeating that Google Maps showed this route and drove fast on busy roads, leaving her trapped.
Her quick message to her partner prompted him to call instantly, demanding the driver take her back. Only after her partner’s angry intervention, and her thinking of jumping out, did the driver bring her back close to home, take no fare, and drive away. She and her partner became convinced this was an attempted kidnapping, as the driver didn’t even want payment.
Shaken by the event, she found Ola’s safety response lacking, with no real complaint process besides telling her to call authorities.
Authorities have reported other cases in Delhi and nearby cities involving auto drivers behaving dangerously, even attempting kidnappings. For example, a teen girl in Thane recently escaped by using a compass and leaping from a moving auto.
How People Responded Online
Her Reddit account received dozens of shocked responses, with people commenting things like, “Horrifying!” and “That’s terrifying”. Many urged her to report to police and publicly call out Ola on platforms like X (formerly Twitter).
Many chipped in with personal experiences and suggestions:
• Keep your house keys handy as an emergency defense.
• Announce your path over a call or have maps playing aloud to alert the driver someone is aware.
• Opt for the metro when traveling solo whenever possible.
• Many agreed Ola’s safety shortcomings make it unreliable.
Her Must-Know Solo Travel Safety Guidelines
• Avoid Booking Autos Alone When Possible: It’s safer to avoid solo bookings since drivers can’t be easily vetted.
• Confirm Auto’s Plate Matches the App: Only get in if the plate matches the app listing.
• Ensure the Trip Is Active Before Entering: Board once your one-time code is entered and the trip is live.
• Keep App Open: Stay on the app to ensure the ride remains active.
• Inform a Trusted Contact of Your Whereabouts: Share your route to ensure someone can respond if needed.
• delhi woman's scary auto ride Position Yourself for Quick Exit: Choose a seat that lets you exit easily in emergencies.
• Book Only for Familiar Routes: Stick to roads you’re familiar with to avoid risk.
• Check Google Maps: Keep maps open to ensure you’re on the correct route.
• Look for Police: Be conscious of where help is nearby.
• Do Not Use Ola Due to Safety Gaps: She strongly advised avoiding Ola due to poor safety and weak complaint systems.
Such incidents stress the importance of enhanced safety tools, driver screening, and live monitoring by taxi apps.
Note: The experience has not been independently verified by Duniya Daily News Team. We are just trying to share her experience as share on Reddit community for the benefit and awareness of others.
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