Cab driver steals gold chain and iPhone from drunk passenger

The Avalahalli police have launched a search for a cab driver who stole a gold chain and an iPhone from a passenger after the victim fell asleep in an inebriated state during a late-night ride on the city’s outskirts.

The incident came to light after a complaint was filed by a private company employee at the Avalahalli Police Station. The police have registered a case and begun efforts to trace the accused.

According to the complaint, the victim had gone out with four friends to a roadside dhaba near Budigere a few days ago. After the party, he booked a cab to return home late at night last Sunday, March 8.

The cab driver arrived at the location, picked up the passenger and also collected the advance fare. However, within a few minutes of boarding the cab, the complainant fell asleep owing to alcohol consumption.

The police said the driver allegedly took advantage of the situation, removed the victim’s gold chain and iPhone, and later dropped him midway on the road before fleeing the spot. When the victim woke up, he realised that his mobile phone and gold chain were missing. With the help of a passer-by, he managed to reach his house and later approached Avalahalli Police Station the next day to lodge a complaint.

Investigators suspect that the driver deliberately ended the trip midway to avoid immediate detection by the company. To prevent suspicion, he reportedly drove towards the passenger’s residence area after dropping him off and then left the location.

Police said ride details, including trip records and location tracking, are available with the cab aggregator, which will help identify the driver. The accused has reportedly switched off his mobile phone and is suspected to be from another State. Efforts are under way to trace and arrest him.