Shocking Auto-Rickshaw Incident in Delhi: Woman Warns Others After Near Kidnapping
{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.
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. They felt certain he intended to abduct her, as he left without taking any money.
She felt shaken and frustrated, discovering Ola had no effective safety tools, only directing her to “call the police” with no formal complaint options.
This wasn’t an isolated case—recent police reports in Delhi and nearby areas have highlighted similar incidents with auto drivers, Startup Closure including alleged kidnapping attempts. For example, a teen girl in Thane 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.
• 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.
• 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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