Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Jan 30: Mumbai Police have arrested a taxi driver after a US national alleged that she was overcharged Rs 18,000 for a short 400-metre ride from near the Mumbai international airport to a five-star hotel.

The incident came to light after the woman shared her experience on X, prompting swift police action.

According to police, the incident occurred on January 12 when the woman arrived in Mumbai from the United States. She hired a taxi near the airport to reach a five-star hotel located just a few hundred metres away. However, instead of taking her directly, the driver allegedly drove around Andheri (East) for nearly 20 minutes before dropping her at the same hotel and charging her Rs 18,000, which is roughly USD 200.

Police said another person was also present with the driver, and investigations are underway to determine that individual’s role.

The woman later posted about the incident on X on January 26, stating that the driver and his associate first took her to an unknown location, demanded money, and then dropped her at the hotel, which was very close to the airport. The post received over one lakh views, triggering public outrage and drawing the attention of the police.

Taking suo motu cognisance, Mumbai Police registered an FIR on January 27. Using the taxi registration number mentioned in the post, police identified the accused as 50-year-old driver Deshraj Yadav.

Acting under the guidance of DCP (Zone VIII) Manish Kalwania, senior police inspector Manoj Chalke and his team launched an investigation and also collected details from the hotel where the woman stayed.