Mumbai: Multiple cases have come to light in Mumbai where taxi drivers reportedly extorted money from foreign visitors. According to sources, the drivers agreed on a fixed fare at the start of the ride but later used deceptive tactics to coerce passengers into paying extra. Complaints were lodged at Sahar Police Station, accusing two drivers in separate incidents of extorting money from travelers before dropping them off at the JW Marriott hotel.
In one incident on July 25, Frank Coffman, an American national, hired a cab from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. While heading to JW Marriott in Andheri East, the 39-year-old Uber driver, Arun Mishra, suddenly stopped the vehicle. A police official stated that Mishra snatched Coffman’s phone to cancel the ride and forcibly took Rs 1,300 from him before fleeing, as reported by Hindustan Times.
"We registered the case on Friday since the complaint was filed late,” said a police officer. Mishra was later arrested from his residence in Saki Naka and charged under Section 308 (extortion) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, as reported.
On August 3, Eyan Austan, an Australian citizen, booked a cab from Mumbai Airport to JW Marriott hotel. The 39-year-old driver, Sunil Sharma, initially quoted Rs 3,500 for the trip but later demanded $3,500 from Austan. Following these events, hotel staff filed complaints against both drivers on behalf of the victims. Sharma was also booked for extortion and was arrested on Friday.
Cop and security guard under inquiry for assaulting shopkeeper over alleged extortion in Malad
A departmental inquiry has been launched against a police officer from Samta Nagar police station and a Maharashtra security guard after they allegedly assaulted a shopkeeper for refusing to pay hapta (extortion money).
The incident, which took place on August 5, gained attention after a video of the assault went viral. The victim, who owns a paan stall in Malad East, was reportedly taken to the police station for selling gutkha, a substance banned in Maharashtra. According to reports, the police personnel demanded money from him, and upon his refusal, both the officer and the guard allegedly beat him.
An Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) has initiated an investigation into the matter. A detailed report will be submitted following the completion of the inquiry.
