Bengaluru Auto Driver Returns Lost Bag Full of Cash to Passenger

A Heartwarming Act 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, like Kumar D, a 54-year-old auto driver from near KR Puram in Bengaluru, prefer to earn their living honestly.

Last Thursday, Kumar found himself in a situation that tested his integrity when a passenger accidentally left behind a bag filled with cash in his auto. Instead of succumbing to temptation, Kumar immediately set out to locate the passenger and return the lost bag.

The passenger, Amit Kumar Pandey, a 33-year-old from Mumbai, had taken Kumar's auto from Cottonpet and exited near the Eidgah grounds in Chamarajpet. Shortly after, another woman hailed Kumar's auto, and upon entering, she noticed the forgotten bag. She informed Kumar, who then resolved to return it.

Not wanting to lose his current fare, Kumar first dropped off the woman before searching for Amit. Recalling that Amit was headed to a shop, he went there and asked the shopkeeper about him. The shopkeeper helped by calling Amit, who soon arrived with the police.

In the presence of the police, Amit checked the bag and discovered it contained a staggering ₹2.6 lakh. Overjoyed by Kumar's honesty, Amit 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.