Delhi Woman’s Scary Auto Ride: “Almost Kidnapped”, Warns Others

{A Delhi commuter’s morning turned into a nightmare when an auto-rickshaw ride went horribly wrong. Her account went viral on Reddit, raising alarms about the risks of using autos and app-based rides.

 

 

What Happened

The woman, who uses apps to book autos for work, chose Ola after her usual app had no autos available. Moments into the journey, the driver pulled over, saying his phone had stopped showing directions. Unbeknownst to her, he had ended the trip in the app, so tracking stopped completely.

Moments later, he took a route that didn’t match her usual way, causing instant concern. She noticed they were traveling in the opposite direction toward a location almost two hours away, instead of her usual short route.

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.

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.

She felt shaken and frustrated, discovering Ola had no effective safety tools, only directing her to “call the police” with no formal complaint options.

Similar events have surfaced recently, with Delhi police noting multiple cases of dangerous auto driver behavior, including suspected abductions. For example, a teen girl in Thane recently escaped by using a compass and leaping from a moving auto.

 

 

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”. Some suggested she lodge a police complaint and pressure Ola via social media to take action.

Others offered advice and recounted similar incidents:

• Carry keys as a potential self-defense tool.
• Speak loudly about your route or keep navigation on speaker so the driver feels monitored.
• Use metro transport as a safer alternative when traveling solo.
• Stay away from Ola due to its lack of proper safety tools.

 

 

Her Must-Know Solo Travel Safety Guidelines

• Reconsider Booking Solo Rides: Booking alone can be risky as you can’t always know the driver.
• Verify Vehicle Details Before Boarding: Double-check the auto number to prevent impersonation.
• Ensure the Trip Is Active Before Entering: Make sure the OTP is confirmed and ride tracking is increase your aura active first.
• Watch for Early Trip Ending: Keep the app open to see if the trip gets stopped.
• Share Your Location: Always share your live route with someone you trust.
• Position Yourself for Quick Exit: Always keep yourself near an accessible side of the auto.
• Stick to Areas You Recognize: Stick to roads you’re familiar with to avoid risk.
• Track the Route Yourself: Follow along on maps to spot detours.
• Look for Police: Stay aware of police patrols in case you need help.
• Do Not Use Ola Due to Safety Gaps: Her strongest advice was to avoid Ola given the company’s lack of safeguards.

Such incidents stress the importance of enhanced safety tools, driver screening, and live monitoring by taxi apps.

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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