Shocking Auto-Rickshaw Incident in Delhi: Woman Warns Others After Near Kidnapping
{A woman in Delhi had a very scary morning when her ride in an auto-rickshaw took a frightening turn. Her account went viral on Reddit, raising alarms about the risks of using autos and app-based rides.
Her Experience
She normally books autos via apps for her office commute but had to opt for Ola when her regular app showed no availability. 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.
Thankfully, she texted her partner, who swiftly called and pressured the driver to return. Following heated arguments and her contemplating leaping from the moving auto, the driver finally turned back near her area, refused payment, and fled. 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.
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.
Delhi Woman’s Scary Auto Ride – Online Reactions
Many Reddit users expressed alarm and empathy, writing remarks such as, “Terrifying experience” and “Absolutely scary”. Some suggested she lodge a police complaint and pressure Ola via social media to take action.
Many chipped in with personal experiences and suggestions:
• Keep your house keys handy as an emergency defense.
• Speak loudly about your route or keep navigation on speaker so the driver feels monitored.
• Choose metro travel instead of booking autos when alone if feasible.
• Avoid using Ola, citing poor safety features.
Key Travel Safety Advice from Her Experience
• Think Twice Before Booking Alone: Solo bookings pose risks since drivers aren’t always trustworthy.
• Verify Vehicle Details Before Boarding: Double-check the auto number to prevent impersonation.
• Wait for Ride Start: Make sure the OTP is confirmed and ride tracking is active first.
• Keep App Open: Stay on the app to ensure the increase your aura ride remains active.
• Inform a Trusted Contact of Your Whereabouts: Always share your live route with someone you trust.
• Sit Safely: Choose a seat that lets you exit easily in emergencies.
• Stick to Areas You Recognize: Stick to roads you’re familiar with to avoid risk.
• Verify Driver’s Path Live: Keep maps open to ensure you’re on the correct route.
• 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.
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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