Bengaluru Auto Driver Returns Lost Bag with ₹2.6 Lakh to Passenger

In a remarkable display of integrity, a Bengaluru auto driver named Kumar D returned a bag containing ₹2.6 lakh to its owner, Amit Kumar Pandey. After the passenger accidentally left the bag in the auto, Kumar went above and beyond to locate him and ensure the money was returned. This heartwarming incident not only highlights Kumar's honesty but also earned him recognition and rewards from the local police. Read on to discover how this act of kindness unfolded and the impact it had on both men involved.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 19, 2026, 06:37 IST

A Heartwarming Tale of Honesty

Auto rickshaw drivers often face negative stereotypes, with many passengers complaining about poor communication, unwillingness to go to specified destinations, and inflated fares. However, not all drivers fit this mold. Many choose to earn their living with integrity.

Take, for instance, 54-year-old Kumar D, who operates an auto rickshaw near KR Puram in Bengaluru. Last Thursday, a passenger accidentally left behind a bag filled with cash in his vehicle. Despite the temptation, Kumar did not hesitate to find the owner and return the bag.

The passenger, Amit Kumar Pandey, a 33-year-old from Mumbai, had taken Kumar's auto from Cottonpet and got off near the Eidgah grounds in Chamrajpet. As Amit exited, another woman hailed Kumar's auto, and upon entering, she noticed the forgotten bag. She promptly informed Kumar about it, prompting him to decide to return it.

Not wanting to lose his current fare, Kumar first dropped off the woman and then set out to locate Amit. Remembering that Amit was headed to a shop, he went there and inquired about him. The shopkeeper helped by calling Amit, who arrived with the police. Together, they verified the contents of the bag, which contained a staggering ₹2.6 lakh.

Amit was overjoyed by Kumar's honesty and rewarded him with ₹3,000. Additionally, Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Sanjeev M Patil was impressed by Kumar's integrity and awarded him ₹5,000 along with a certificate of commendation for his honesty.

Amit, who works as a manager in a Mumbai company, was in Bengaluru to collect payments from clients and had inadvertently left the bag in the auto. Thanks to Kumar's honesty, he was able to recover all his money.