Caught on cam: Bengaluru auto-driver scams Bangladeshi vlogger, police take action

In a recent episode, an auto-rickshaw driver in Bengaluru was caught while attempting to scam a vlogger couple from Bangladesh. The entire incident, recorded on camera, has quickly gained widespread attention, shedding light on the problem of dishonest practices within the transportation industry.

The incident was brought to the attention of Bengaluru Police after a Kolkata-based vlogger Mrityunjay Sardar shared the video on X, formerly known as Twitter. "Bangladeshi blogger and his girlfriend were travelling -- 'Bengaluru Palace'. A local auto driver cheated them. This is how we treat foreigners. Please take action," he wrote on X. 

In the video, Fizz, the Bangladeshi vlogger, said that he and his friend opted to take an auto-rickshaw for sightseeing. After talking to an auto driver, they agreed to use the meter for fare calculation. Upon reaching their destination, the meter displayed a fare of Rs 320. Fizz took out a Rs 500 note from his wallet and handed it to the driver. The driver, however, duped him by discreetly concealing the Rs 500 note in his sleeve and presented a Rs 100 note, falsely claiming that it was the one given by Fizz. Remaining unknown to the scam, the vlogger gave the driver another Rs 500 note and realised later that he was cheated. 

See the video here: 

Bangladeshi blogger and his girlfriend were traveling - "Bengaluru Palace". A local auto driver cheated them. This is how we treat foreigners ?? please take action. https://t.co/mdhXwqRp9h @CPBlr @BlrCityPolice@DCPWestBCP #Bangalore #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/WIuf29KyqJ

— Mrityunjay Sardar (@VloggerCalcutta) September 5, 2023

In the video, the vlogger said, "Look, the driver already had a Rs 100 note hidden in his other hand even before I had taken my wallet out. Watch as he takes my Rs 500 note and tucks it into his sleeve while pulling out the Rs 100 note and saying that the fare is Rs 320. At first, I thought I must have mistaken the Rs 500 note to be Rs 100 and then I gave him a second Rs 500 note."

Bengaluru Police takes action

Taking strong cognisance of the incident, the Sadashivnagar Traffic Police took prompt action after the video went viral. The auto driver was identified and apprehended, and legal proceedings were initiated against him for attempting to dupe the tourists. "The auto driver has been handed over to Sadashivnagar Law and Order police station for further action," the police department said.