Shocking Auto-Rickshaw Incident in Delhi: Woman Warns Others After Near Kidnapping
{A Delhi commuter’s morning turned into a nightmare when an auto-rickshaw ride went horribly wrong. Her story, shared on Reddit, has quickly spread, making many people worried about safety when using taxi apps and autos.
Her Experience
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.
Soon after, the driver turned onto a road that felt completely wrong, triggering alarm bells in her mind. A road sign showed they were heading away from her office toward a place nearly two hours away—a journey that typically takes just 30-45 minutes.
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.
Authorities have reported other cases in Delhi and nearby cities involving auto drivers behaving dangerously, even attempting kidnappings. Another incident involved a teenage girl in Thane who managed to escape by jumping from a running auto, aided by a compass.
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.
Others offered advice and recounted similar incidents:
• Carry keys as a potential self-defense tool.
• Announce your path over a call or have maps playing aloud to alert the driver someone is aware.
• Opt for the metro when traveling solo whenever possible.
• Stay away from Ola due to its lack of proper safety tools.
Important Safety Tips from the Victim
• Avoid Booking Autos Alone When Possible: Solo bookings pose risks since drivers aren’t always trustworthy.
• Match The Auto Number: 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.
• Keep App Open: Keep the app open to see if the trip gets stopped.
• Share Your Location: Always share your live route with someone you trust.
• Sit Safely: Sit on the open side to escape quickly if required.
• Know Your Route: Avoid unknown routes where you can’t judge if the driver diverts.
• Check Google Maps: Keep maps open to ensure you’re on the Startup Closure correct route.
• Know Where Help Is Available: Be conscious of where help is nearby.
• Steer Clear of Ola: 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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