Rickshaw Driver Arrested for Charging ₹90,000 for Short Andheri-Bandra Trip in Mumbai

In a shocking incident, Mumbai Police has arrested a rickshaw driver who allegedly extorted ₹90,000 from a visually impaired lawyer for a short journey from Andheri to Bandra. The accused, identified as Furqan Sheikh, was taken into custody after an investigation led by the cybercrime department. According to police officials, the victim is a lawyer employed at a reputed corporate firm and had recently moved to Mumbai from Haryana. The incident occurred after the lawyer visited a restaurant in Andheri and accidentally left behind his spectacles. Being visually impaired without them, he hailed an auto-rickshaw to return to his residence in Bandra.

Upon reaching his destination, the rickshaw driver asked for the fare via Google Pay. Since the lawyer could not clearly see the phone screen, he handed his phone to the driver to complete the transaction. Taking advantage of the situation, the accused transferred ₹90,000 from the victim’s bank account to his own, instead of charging the actual fare.

Initially, Sheikh had concealed his identity and provided false information. However, the cybercrime cell traced the fraudulent transaction and successfully identified and apprehended him.During interrogation, Sheikh confessed to the crime and revealed that he committed the fraud to repay a loan taken for his wedding. Authorities have recovered the full amount from his bank account, and further investigation is underway. Police officials have urged citizens to exercise caution while making digital payments and avoid sharing access to mobile phones, especially with strangers.