Mumbai couple back from Thailand cheated of 1,000 Thai Baht; driver demanded cash mid-ride, 2 held

MUMBAI: Sahar police arrested two cab drivers for allegedly cheating a Wadala couple of 1,000 Thai baht (about Rs 3,300) after they landed at Mumbai International Airport from Thailand on Feb 8 and hired a cab to go home.

The accused, Imtiyaz Ahmad (34) and Riyasat Ali Khan (48), were arrested after an FIR was registered the next day. Police said they are checking how many other passengers may have been similarly duped.


According to police, the couple -- Darshan Sawant (29), a fitness trainer, and his wife Monica -- was approached outside the terminal by a man who offered a cab to Wadala Fire Station in Antop Hill and quoted Rs 550, later agreeing to Rs 400. Khan allegedly made the couple sit in a taxi driven by Ahmad and rode along.

After the taxi moved a short distance, he asked the driver to stop and demanded Rs 400 immediately, claiming he had to maintain accounts for multiple cars.

The complainant, Darshan Sawant (29), said they did not have Indian currency and offered to pay via Google Pay, but Khan insisted on cash. When the couple said they had Thai currency, Khan allegedly said it would do and asked for 200 Thai baht, promising to return Rs 200. Police said Sawant's wife had 1,100 Thai baht in hand, but Khan took the money and, in a quick gesture, allegedly pocketed 1,000 Thai baht, paid the driver Rs 400, and left.

After reaching home, the couple noticed the missing currency and filed a complaint the next day. Police said the taxis were seized, and an application has been made to the RTO to cancel the drivers' licences and permits.

Last month, two other cab drivers were arrested for allegedly taking $200 from a US national for a 400-metre ride; police also initiated permit and licence cancellations in that case.