Mumbai Taxi Scam: Driver Arrested After Charging US Tourist ₹18,000 for 400-Metre Ride

Mumbai Taxi Scam: Driver Arrested After Charging US Tourist ₹18,000 for 400-Metre Ride

Mumbai , 30 Jan : A taxi driver in Mumbai has been arrested for allegedly cheating an American tourist by charging her ₹18,000 for a ride of just 400 metres. The incident occurred after the woman arrived at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and hired a taxi to travel to a nearby five-star hotel in Andheri East, police said.

According to officials, the driver, identified as 50-year-old Deshraj Yadav, did not take the passenger directly to her destination. Instead, he allegedly drove her around for nearly 20 minutes before returning to the same area and demanding the inflated fare.

The tourist later shared her ordeal on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, stating that she was taken to an unfamiliar location and charged around 200 US dollars despite the short distance. She also posted the taxi’s registration number, and the post quickly went viral, drawing widespread attention.

Following the viral post, the Sahar Police registered a case on their own initiative and traced the vehicle using the registration details. The accused was arrested within hours of the FIR being lodged, and the taxi was seized for investigation. Police said efforts are underway to contact the victim to record her statement, and steps have been initiated to cancel the driver’s licence.

Authorities also informed that an associate of the accused is currently absconding, and a search has been launched to locate him. Police have advised tourists to promptly report any suspected cheating or fraud to local authorities or hotel staff to enable swift action.

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