Mumbai Teen Extorted by Auto Driver Over Rs 100 Fare Near Airport

Mumbai, Maharashtra: A 19-year-old man from Sangli, recently back from the US, fell victim to extortion by an autorickshaw driver at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). The incident unfolded on December 14 when the teenager hired the autorickshaw to Chembur for what was initially a Rs 106 fare.

According to the complaint filed, the driver, Ritesh Kadam (26), demanded an exorbitant Rs 3,500 upon arrival in Chembur. When the passenger refused, Kadam allegedly made a threatening call, pressuring him into paying Rs 1,000 in cash and Rs 2,500 via Google Pay.

Not backing down, the teenager clicked a photo of the vehicle's registration plate and reported the matter via email to Mumbai police. Using the registration details, the police traced and arrested the accused on December 17.

In his confession, Kadam admitted to overcharging, claiming he needed money and thought the victim could be intimidated. Officials added that such overcharging incidents targeting international travelers are common near the airport, but this case escalated to extortion.