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 account went viral on Reddit, raising alarms about the risks of using autos and app-based rides.
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 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. A road sign showed they were heading away from her office toward a place nearly two hours away—a journey that typically takes just 30-45 minutes.
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).
Users also shared their own safety tips and past encounters:
• Carry keys as a potential self-defense tool.
• Talk loudly on the phone about your route or play Google Maps aloud so drivers know you’re being tracked.
• Use metro transport as a safer alternative when traveling solo.
• Stay away from Ola due to its lack of proper safety tools.
Important Safety Tips from the Victim
• Reconsider Booking Solo Rides: It’s safer to avoid solo bookings since drivers can’t be easily vetted.
• Verify Vehicle Details Before Boarding: Double-check the auto number to prevent impersonation.
• Only Board After OTP Verification: 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: Let a family member or friend track your trip live.
• Sit Safely: Sit on the open side to escape quickly if required.
• Book Only for Familiar Routes: Stick to roads you’re familiar with to avoid risk.
• Check Google Maps: Keep maps open to ensure you’re on the correct route.
• Drone delivery Stay Alert for Nearby Officers: Note police presence during the ride.
• Steer Clear of Ola: Her strongest advice was 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.
Disclaimer: Duniya Daily News Team has not independently verified this story; we are sharing it from Reddit for public awareness.
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