Mumbai Shock: US Woman Charged Rs 18,000 for 400-Metre Taxi Ride, Driver Arrested

Mumbai: A case of fraud with an American woman came to light near Mumbai Airport. The taxi driver charged Rs 18,000 for just a 400-meter ride. The woman posted on X, which went viral. The police immediately took cognizance of this matter and took action and arrested the taxi driver. At present his companion is being searched.

When and how did the incident happen?

On January 12, the woman reached Mumbai from America. Took a taxi outside the airport. The hotel was a few hundred meters away. The driver did not take the women directly to the hotel. Roamed around Andheri East for 20 minutes. Then dropped her at the same hotel. Asked for Rs 18,000. There was another person with the driver.

What did the woman write on the X?

She posted on X on January 26. She wrote that the driver and his companion took her to an unknown place and asked for money. The hotel was very close to the airport. The post received more than one lakh views. Anger spread among the people.

What did the police do?

The police themselves took notice. FIR was registered on 27 January. There was a taxi number in the post. The accused was identified. His name is Deshraj Yadav aged 50 years. The team was formed on the instructions of DCP Manish Kalwania. Inspector Manoj Chalke investigated. Took information from the hotel.

What came out in the investigation?

The woman stayed in the hotel on January 12 and checked out on January 13. She returned to America from Pune. Police caught Yadav within three hours of the FIR, and the taxi was seized. The search for the second person continues. RTO was asked to start the process of canceling the license.

What did the DCP say?

DCP Manish Kalwania said that the taxi driver at Mumbai airport charged more fare from the American woman. The woman came to the airport on 12 January and took a taxi. The driver swerved unnecessarily. Taken to a hotel but charged Rs 18,000. The woman complained on Twitter. Police filed an FIR. Deshraj Yadav was arrested. He further said that if such fraud occurs, call 112 immediately and lodge a complaint. Police will start work immediately. The sooner it is known, the easier it is to take action.

Why is this a big deal?

Such incidents with tourists are increasing. Taxi drivers act arbitrarily at the airport. Word reached the police through social media. The arrest took place within three hours. The speed of the Mumbai Police was visible. Now investigation is going on. The search is on for the second accused. The woman has gone back to America. The case is under sections of fraud.