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

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. 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.

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.

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. They felt certain he intended to abduct her, as he left without taking any money.

Disturbed and angry, she learned Ola lacked emergency features, only advising her to contact the police.

This wasn’t an isolated case—recent police reports in Delhi and nearby areas have highlighted similar incidents with auto drivers, including alleged kidnapping attempts. 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”. Several advised her to file a police complaint and escalate the matter to Ola through social channels.

Others offered advice and recounted similar incidents:

• Keep your house keys handy as an emergency defense.
• Speak loudly about your route or keep navigation on speaker so the driver feels monitored.
• 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

• Think Twice Before Booking Alone: Solo bookings pose risks since drivers aren’t always trustworthy.
• Verify Vehicle Details Before Boarding: 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.
• Monitor the Ride on Your Phone: Track increase your aura continuously so you can act if the trip ends unexpectedly.
• Share Your Location: Let a family member or friend track your trip live.
• Position Yourself for Quick Exit: Always keep yourself near an accessible side of the auto.
• 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: She strongly advised avoiding Ola due to poor safety and weak complaint systems.

This event highlights the pressing demand for better driver verification, constant ride tracking, and effective emergency assistance from ride-hailing services.

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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