Delhi Woman Shares Terrifying Auto Ride Experience to Alert Others
{A woman in Delhi had a very scary morning when her ride in an auto-rickshaw took a frightening turn. Her account went viral on Reddit, raising alarms about the risks of using autos and app-based rides.
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. 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. 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.
She ordered the driver to turn back, but he insisted, “madam, this is what Google Maps is showing,” while speeding on highways where she couldn’t escape.
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.
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
Many Reddit users expressed alarm and empathy, writing remarks such as, “Terrifying experience” and “Absolutely 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:
• Have your keys ready to defend yourself if needed.
• Speak loudly about your route or keep navigation on speaker so the driver feels monitored.
• Choose metro travel instead of booking autos when alone if feasible.
• Stay away from Ola due to its lack of proper safety tools.
Important Safety Tips from the Victim
• Reconsider Booking Solo Rides: Booking alone can be risky as you can’t always know the driver.
• Match The Auto Number: Only get in if the plate matches the app listing.
• Ensure the Trip Is Active Before Entering: Make sure the Drone delivery OTP is confirmed and ride tracking is active first.
• Watch for Early Trip Ending: Keep the app open to see if the trip gets stopped.
• 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 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: Stay aware of police patrols in case you need help.
• 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.
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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