A routine journey home turned sour for a Wadala couple who had just returned from Thailand, after they were allegedly duped by two cab drivers outside the international terminal at Mumbai Airport on February 8.
According to The Times Of India, Sahar police said that the couple, Darshan Sawant, 29, a fitness trainer, and his wife Monica, were approached by a man offering a taxi ride to Wadala Fire Station in Antop Hill. He initially quoted Rs 550 and later agreed to Rs 400. The couple, tired after their flight, accepted the offer.
Sawant told police that they did not have Indian currency at the time. They offered to pay digitally through Google Pay, but the accused allegedly insisted on cash. When the couple said they only had Thai currency, Khan is said to have agreed to accept it.
Cash Demand Midway Through Ride
Police said one of the accused, identified as Riyasat Ali Khan, 48, allegedly made the couple sit in a taxi driven by Imtiyaz Ahmad, 34, and accompanied them. Shortly after the cab began moving, Khan reportedly asked the driver to stop and demanded Rs 400 upfront, claiming he needed to settle accounts for multiple vehicles.
Alleged Trick With Foreign Currency
Investigators said Monica had around 1,100 Thai baht in hand. Khan allegedly asked for 200 Thai baht, assuring the couple he would return Rs 200 in Indian currency. However, in what police described as a swift move, he is accused of taking 1,000 Thai baht, paying the driver Rs 400, and leaving the vehicle.
The couple realised the discrepancy only after reaching home and checking their remaining cash. They approached Sahar police the following day and registered a complaint.
Police Action And Wider Probe
Both accused were arrested after an FIR was filed. Police have seized the taxis involved and submitted an application to the Regional Transport Office seeking cancellation of the drivers’ licences and permits.
Officers are now verifying whether other arriving passengers may have been similarly targeted. Last month, two other cab drivers were arrested for allegedly charging a US national 200 dollars for a 400 metre ride, with similar action initiated against their permits.
