Delhi Woman’s Scary Auto Ride: “Almost Kidnapped”, Warns Others

{A woman in Delhi had a very scary morning when her ride in an auto-rickshaw took a frightening turn. Her story, shared on Reddit, has quickly spread, making many people worried about safety when using taxi apps and autos.
Her Experience
She normally books autos via apps for her office commute but had to opt for Ola when her regular app showed no availability. 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.
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.
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.
Luckily, her partner was alert when she texted him, immediately calling her and demanding the driver return. After a tense exchange and her even considering jumping out, the driver finally turned back near her home, without asking for any money, and sped off. 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.
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. In one recent Thane case, a teen saved herself by jumping out of a moving auto using a compass to orient herself.
How People Responded Online
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”. Many urged her to report to police and publicly call out Ola on platforms like X (formerly Twitter).
Many chipped in with personal experiences and suggestions:
• Have your keys ready to defend yourself if needed.
• Speak loudly about your route or keep navigation on speaker so the driver feels monitored.
• Opt for the metro when traveling solo whenever possible.
• Avoid using delhi woman's scary auto ride Ola, citing poor safety features.
Her Must-Know Solo Travel Safety Guidelines
• Avoid Booking Autos Alone When Possible: Booking alone can be risky as you can’t always know the driver.
• Verify Vehicle Details Before Boarding: Ensure the auto’s number matches the app record before entering.
• 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.
• Share Your Location: Let a family member or friend track your trip live.
• Choose an Exit-Friendly Seat: Always keep yourself near an accessible side of the auto.
• Know Your Route: Use ride services only when you know the route well.
• Track the Route Yourself: Use live navigation to confirm correct directions.
• Know Where Help Is Available: Be conscious of where help is nearby.
• Do Not Use Ola Due to Safety Gaps: She strongly advised avoiding Ola due to poor safety and weak complaint systems.
This event highlights the pressing demand for better driver verification, constant ride tracking, and effective emergency assistance from ride-hailing services.
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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