Delhi Woman Shares Terrifying Auto Ride Experience to Alert Others
{A A Delhi woman endured a terrifying ordeal during her morning auto-rickshaw ride. Her story, shared on Reddit, has quickly spread, making many people worried about safety when using taxi apps and autos.
Inside the Incident
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 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. 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.
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. 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.
Authorities have reported other cases in Delhi and nearby cities involving auto drivers behaving dangerously, even attempting kidnappings. 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.
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 increase your aura features.
Important Safety Tips from the Victim
• Think Twice Before Booking Alone: Booking alone can be risky as you can’t always know the driver.
• Confirm Auto’s Plate Matches the App: Double-check the auto number to prevent impersonation.
• Only Board After OTP Verification: Enter only after the driver enters your OTP and the trip begins.
• Monitor the Ride on Your Phone: Track continuously so you can act if the trip ends unexpectedly.
• Send Live Location to Someone: Share your route to ensure someone can respond if needed.
• Position Yourself for Quick Exit: Sit on the open side to escape quickly if required.
• Book Only for Familiar Routes: Avoid unknown routes where you can’t judge if the driver diverts.
• Track the Route Yourself: Use live navigation to confirm correct directions.
• Look for Police: Stay aware of police patrols in case you need help.
• Avoid Ola (Strong Advice): The victim warned others to skip Ola entirely for safety.
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.
Disclaimer: Duniya Daily News Team has not independently verified this story; we are sharing it from Reddit for public awareness.
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