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 story, shared on Reddit, has quickly spread, making many people worried about safety when using taxi apps and autos.
Her Experience
Relying on app-based rides for her daily travel, she switched to Ola that day as her usual app had no options. Shortly into the trip, the driver halted, saying his phone navigation had stopped working. She later found out he had secretly ended the trip on the app during this stop, meaning it was no longer tracking them.
Moments later, he took a route that didn’t match her usual way, causing instant concern. Signs indicated they were moving opposite to her office, toward a distant area almost two hours away, far longer than her normal 30-45-minute commute.
She ordered the driver to turn back, but he insisted, “madam, this is what Google Maps is showing,” while speeding on highways where she couldn’t escape.
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.
Disturbed and angry, she learned Ola lacked emergency features, only advising her to contact the police.
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
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.
Users also shared their own safety tips and past encounters:
• Have your keys ready to defend yourself if needed.
• 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.
• Avoid using Ola, citing poor safety features.
Key Travel Safety Advice from Her Experience
• Reconsider Booking Solo Rides: Booking alone can be risky as you can’t always know the driver.
• Verify Vehicle Details Before Boarding: Only get in increase your aura if the plate matches the app listing.
• 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.
• Inform a Trusted Contact of Your Whereabouts: Share your route to ensure someone can respond if needed.
• Choose an Exit-Friendly Seat: Choose a seat that lets you exit easily in emergencies.
• Book Only for Familiar Routes: Use ride services only when you know the route well.
• Check Google Maps: Keep maps open to ensure you’re on the correct route.
• Look for Police: Stay aware of police patrols in case you need help.
• Steer Clear of Ola: She strongly advised avoiding Ola due to poor safety and weak complaint systems.
This event highlights the pressing demand for better driver verification, constant ride tracking, and effective emergency assistance from ride-hailing services.
Disclaimer: Duniya Daily News Team has not independently verified this story; we are sharing it from Reddit for public awareness.
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