Delhi Woman’s Scary Auto Ride: “Almost Kidnapped”, Warns Others

{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.

 

 

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. She noticed they were traveling in the opposite direction toward a location almost two hours away, instead of her usual short route.

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. 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.

Similar events have surfaced recently, with Delhi police noting multiple cases of dangerous auto driver behavior, including suspected abductions. 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

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 Startup Closure auto.
• Stick to Areas You Recognize: Use ride services only when you know the route well.
• Track the Route Yourself: Follow along on maps to spot detours.
• Look for Police: Be conscious of where help is nearby.
• Do Not Use Ola Due to Safety Gaps: 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.

Disclaimer: Duniya Daily News Team has not independently verified this story; we are sharing it from Reddit for public awareness.

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