Taxi driver arrested for charging Rs. 18,000 for 400-metre ride

A taxi driver has been arrested in Mumbai for allegedly cheating an American tourist by charging an exorbitant Rs. 18,000 for a distance of just 400 metres near the city airport.
The victim, Argentina Arino, a young woman from the United States, had arrived in Mumbai on January 12 as part of a personal trip.
She had pre-booked accommodation at a star hotel located barely 400 metres from the airport.
On arrival, she hired a taxi from the airport to reach the hotel.
Police said the driver deliberately avoided the direct route and drove around for nearly 30 minutes through alternate roads, allegedly taking advantage of the fact that the passenger was a foreign tourist.
After dropping her at the hotel, the driver demanded Rs. 18,000, equivalent to around 200 US dollars, as fare. Believing the demand to be genuine, Arino paid the amount.
She later realised that she had been cheated and posted about the incident on social media, tagging Mumbai Police. The post went viral, prompting police action.
Following an investigation, police arrested the accused driver, identified as Tishraj, aged 50. Further inquiry is under way.