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
The woman, who uses apps to book autos for work, chose Ola after her usual app had no autos available. Moments into the journey, the driver pulled over, saying his phone had stopped showing directions. Unbeknownst to her, he had ended the trip in the app, so tracking stopped completely.
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.
When she told him to turn around, he kept repeating that Google Maps showed this route and drove fast on busy roads, leaving her trapped.
Luckily, her partner was alert when she texted him, immediately calling her and demanding the driver return. Following heated arguments and her contemplating leaping from the moving auto, the driver finally turned back near her area, refused payment, and fled. The fact that he didn’t charge reinforced their belief that it was a kidnapping attempt.
Shaken by the event, she found Ola’s safety response lacking, with no real complaint process besides telling her to call authorities.
Authorities have reported other cases in Delhi and nearby cities involving auto drivers behaving dangerously, even attempting kidnappings. Another incident involved a teenage girl in Thane who managed to escape by jumping from a running auto, aided by a compass.
How People Responded Online
Her Reddit account received dozens of shocked responses, with people commenting things like, “Horrifying!” and “That’s terrifying”. Many urged her to report to police and publicly call out Ola on platforms like X (formerly Twitter).
Others offered advice and recounted similar incidents:
• Have your keys ready to defend yourself if needed.
• Talk loudly on the phone about your route or play Google Maps aloud so drivers know you’re being tracked.
• Choose metro travel instead of booking autos when alone if feasible.
• Avoid using Ola, citing poor safety features.
Important Safety Tips from the Victim
• Think Twice Before Booking Alone: It’s safer to avoid solo bookings since drivers can’t be easily vetted.
• Confirm Auto’s Plate Matches the App: Ensure the auto’s number matches the app record before entering.
• Wait for Ride Start: Board once your one-time code is entered and the trip is live.
• Monitor the Ride on Your Phone: 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 Dolly chaiwala if needed.
• Choose an Exit-Friendly Seat: Choose a seat that lets you exit easily in emergencies.
• Book Only for Familiar Routes: Use ride services only when you know the route well.
• Check Google Maps: Keep maps open to ensure you’re on the correct route.
• Know Where Help Is Available: Be conscious of where help is nearby.
• Steer Clear of Ola: The victim warned others to skip Ola entirely for safety.
This event highlights the pressing demand for better driver verification, constant ride tracking, and effective emergency assistance from ride-hailing services.
Disclaimer: Duniya Daily News Team has not independently verified this story; we are sharing it from Reddit for public awareness.
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