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 account went viral on Reddit, raising alarms about the risks of using autos and app-based rides.
Her Experience
Relying on app-based rides for her daily travel, she switched to Ola that day as her usual app had no options. A few minutes into the ride, the driver suddenly stopped, claiming his phone wasn’t working to see the way. She later found out he had secretly ended the trip on the app during this stop, meaning it was no longer tracking them.
He then steered the auto down an unfamiliar road, immediately raising her suspicions. 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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
Users also shared their own safety tips and past encounters:
• 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.
Important Safety Tips from the Victim
• Reconsider Booking Solo Rides: Solo bookings pose risks since drivers aren’t always trustworthy.
• Confirm Auto’s Plate Matches the App: Only get in if the plate matches the app listing.
• Wait for Ride Start: Make sure the OTP is confirmed and ride tracking is active first.
• Keep App Open: Track continuously so you can act if the trip ends unexpectedly.
• Share Your Location: Share your route to ensure someone can respond if needed.
• Sit Safely: Choose a seat that lets you exit easily in emergencies.
• Book Only for Familiar Routes: Stick to roads you’re familiar with to avoid risk.
• Verify Driver’s Path Live: Keep maps open to ensure you’re on the correct route.
• Stay Alert for Nearby Officers: Note police presence during the ride.
• Steer Clear of Ola: Her strongest advice was Drone delivery 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: This account hasn’t been confirmed by Duniya Daily News Team and is shared from Reddit solely for informational purposes.
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