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 account went viral on Reddit, raising alarms about the risks of using autos and app-based rides.
Her Experience
The woman, who uses apps to book autos for work, chose Ola after her usual app had no autos available. Shortly into the trip, the driver halted, saying his phone navigation had stopped working. She discovered later that he ended the ride in-app, disabling any tracking.
Moments later, he took a route that didn’t match her usual way, causing instant concern. 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.
Luckily, her partner was alert when she texted him, immediately calling her and demanding the driver return. 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.
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. In one recent Thane case, a teen saved herself by jumping out of a moving auto using a compass to orient herself.
Public Reaction on Reddit
Her Reddit account received dozens of shocked responses, with people commenting things like, “Horrifying!” and “That’s terrifying”. 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.
• Talk loudly on the phone about your route or play Google Maps aloud so drivers know you’re being tracked.
• Opt for the metro when traveling solo whenever possible.
• Many agreed Ola’s safety shortcomings make it unreliable.
Key Travel Safety Advice from Her Experience
• Reconsider Booking Solo Rides: It’s safer to avoid solo bookings since drivers can’t be easily vetted.
• virat kohli investments Match The Auto Number: Double-check the auto number to prevent impersonation.
• Wait for Ride Start: Board once your one-time code is entered and the trip is live.
• Watch for Early Trip Ending: Keep the app open to see if the trip gets stopped.
• Send Live Location to Someone: Share your route to ensure someone can respond if needed.
• Position Yourself for Quick Exit: Sit on the open side to escape quickly if required.
• Know Your Route: Use ride services only when you know the route well.
• Track the Route Yourself: 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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