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. She shared her experience on Reddit, sparking widespread concern about safety for those relying on ride-hailing apps and autos.
What Happened
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. Unbeknownst to her, he had ended the trip in the app, so tracking stopped completely.
He then steered the auto down an unfamiliar road, immediately raising her suspicions. 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.
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. After a tense exchange and her even considering jumping out, the driver finally turned back near her home, without asking for any money, and sped off. The fact that he didn’t charge reinforced their belief that it was a kidnapping attempt.
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 Drone delivery a moving auto.
Delhi Woman’s Scary Auto Ride – Online Reactions
Her Reddit account received dozens of shocked responses, with people commenting things like, “Horrifying!” and “That’s terrifying”. Several advised her to file a police complaint and escalate the matter to Ola through social channels.
Others offered advice and recounted similar incidents:
• Carry keys as a potential self-defense tool.
• Talk loudly on the phone about your route or play Google Maps aloud so drivers know you’re being tracked.
• Use metro transport as a safer alternative when traveling solo.
• Stay away from Ola due to its lack of proper safety tools.
Important Safety Tips from the Victim
• Avoid Booking Autos Alone When Possible: Booking alone can be risky as you can’t always know the driver.
• Confirm Auto’s Plate Matches the App: Ensure the auto’s number matches the app record before entering.
• Only Board After OTP Verification: Enter only after the driver enters your OTP and the trip begins.
• Keep App Open: Stay on the app to ensure the 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.
• Book Only for Familiar Routes: Stick to roads you’re familiar with to avoid risk.
• Verify Driver’s Path Live: Use live navigation to confirm correct directions.
• Know Where Help Is Available: Be conscious of where help is nearby.
• Do Not Use Ola Due to Safety Gaps: Her strongest advice was to avoid Ola given the company’s lack of safeguards.
This alarming incident underscores the urgent need for ride-hailing platforms to implement stricter driver checks, real-time monitoring, and proper passenger support systems during emergencies.
Disclaimer: Duniya Daily News Team has not independently verified this story; we are sharing it from Reddit for public awareness.
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