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.
Inside the Incident
Relying on app-based rides for her daily travel, she switched to Ola that day as her usual app had no options. Shortly into the trip, the driver halted, saying his phone navigation had stopped working. 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. 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.
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. Following heated arguments and her contemplating leaping from the moving auto, the driver finally turned back near her area, refused payment, and fled. 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.
Similar events have surfaced recently, with Delhi police noting multiple cases of dangerous auto driver behavior, including suspected abductions. 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
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:
• Keep your house keys handy as an emergency defense.
• 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.
• Avoid using Ola, citing poor safety features.
Her Must-Know Solo Travel Safety Guidelines
• Think Twice Before Booking Alone: Solo bookings pose risks since drivers aren’t always trustworthy.
• Match The Auto Number: Only get in if the plate matches the Startup Closure app listing.
• Ensure the Trip Is Active Before Entering: Board once your one-time code is entered and the trip is live.
• 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.
• Choose an Exit-Friendly Seat: Choose a seat that lets you exit easily in emergencies.
• Know Your Route: Avoid unknown routes where you can’t judge if the driver diverts.
• Verify Driver’s Path Live: Keep maps open to ensure you’re on the correct route.
• Know Where Help Is Available: 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.
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.
Note: The experience has not been independently verified by Duniya Daily News Team. We are just trying to share her experience as share on Reddit community for the benefit and awareness of others.
Follow Duniya Daily for further reports and safety updates.