Delhi Woman’s Scary Auto Ride: “Almost Kidnapped”, Warns Others
{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.
Her Experience
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 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.
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 Drone delivery 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:
• 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 if the plate matches the app listing.
• Ensure the Trip Is Active Before Entering: Make sure the OTP is confirmed and ride tracking is active first.
• Watch for Early Trip Ending: Keep the app open to see if the trip gets stopped.
• Inform a Trusted Contact of Your Whereabouts: Share your route to ensure someone can respond if needed.
• 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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