Mumbai: Sahar Police Arrest Auto Driver For Extorting ₹3,500 From US-Based Student

Mumbai: The Sahar police have arrested a 20-year-old auto driver for allegedly extorting Rs 3,500 from a 19-year-old student, Vishwajeet Patil, who had arrived in India on vacation from the United States.

Patil, a mechanical engineering student from Sangli, landed at Mumbai International Airport on December 14 and hired an auto-rickshaw to reach Dadar railway station for his onward journey. Unaware that autos are not permitted to enter Dadar, he boarded the vehicle.

The auto driver Ritesh Kadam, concealing this restriction, diverted Patil to Chembur. Upon arrival, Kadam threatened the student, called an accomplice, and extorted money from him. Fearing for his safety, Patil paid Rs 1,000 in cash and transferred Rs 2,500 via Gpay. He later boarded a bus to Sangli.

Following the incident, Patil filed a complaint with the Sahar police, leading to the registration of a case under sections 308(2) and 308(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Kadam was nabbed on December 17 from his residence in Lalbhatti, Ghatkopar East.

A police officer said, “The accused has a history of cases, including one involving grievous hurt with dangerous weapons. We suspect he may have extorted others as well.”

Patil added, “I was unaware that autos are not allowed in Dadar. The driver took me to Chembur, threatened me, and forced me to pay money. I reported the incident to the police.”