New Delhi: A young professional working in Bangalore narrowly escaped a horrific ordeal at the Vijayawada bus stand thanks to a combination of quick thinking and state-of-the-art safety technology. She arrived at the station at 12:30 am on 24 April and was approached by an auto driver, Phanindra, who persistently pressured her into taking a ride to Namburu. She initially refused to take the ride, but after that the auto driver insisted two or three times, and she said, “Okay, let’s go.”
Just before boarding the auto, she took a photo of a number plate and uploaded the same on the Shakti app. When she was on her way from Vijayawada to the DGP office, the auto driver, Phanindra, started talking to her indecently. After which, she uploaded all her details on the app.
High-tech rescue near Kazha toll plaza
The auto driver got suspicious and asked her if anyone was calling. When she said that she was calling at home, he let the auto go to the Kazha toll plaza. After moving a short distance, the young woman, already bothered by his words, sensed he was about to rape her. The digital breadcrumbs she left were already being monitored. Mangalagiri SI Venkat, who had been tracking the auto’s movement in real-time through the Shakti app’s interface, located the vehicle just a few steps away from the toll gate. Police intercepted the auto as the situation reached a breaking point, successfully rescuing the woman and taking Phanindra into custody on the spot.
After the successful rescue of the young woman, Minister Nara Lokesh congratulated the Mangalagiri Rural Police for their swift response. He adds that this incident clearly proves how useful technology can be for the safety of women.
Why every commuter needs Shakti App
Following the arrest, Mangalagiri DSP Murali Krishna emphasised that the investigation into the driver’s history is ongoing. He urged women who travel alone to keep the Shakti app downloaded and active, noting that the timely information provided by the victim was the only reason the police were able to reach her before a tragedy occurred.
The incident stands as a powerful reminder that while predatory behavior remains a threat, immediate access to law enforcement through smart platforms can literally be a lifesaver. The young woman is now under police protection, and the accused remains behind bars as the investigation continues.