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Mumbai Police investigates viral auto driver reportedly earning ₹5–8 lakh per month through side hustles; crackdown reveals surprising details behind the sensational claims.
Mumbai Police have shut down an autorickshaw driver’s makeshift locker service near the US Consulate in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), which reportedly earned him between Rs 5 to 8 lakh per month. Authorities cited security concerns and lack of proper licensing as reasons for the action, officials said on Wednesday.
A driver recently went viral after VenueMonk co-founder Rahul Rupani shared a compelling story about him on LinkedIn. During a visit to the consulate for a visa appointment, Rupani realized he couldn’t take his bag inside. The driver offered a solution, saying, “Sir, give me your bag. I’ll keep it safe — it’s part of my daily routine.”
Impressed, Rupani left his bag with him for a small fee of ₹1,000. In his post, he lauded the driver’s savvy business model, claiming the man earned ₹5–8 lakh per month by offering this service to other consulate visitors facing the same problem.
The story, celebrated as a prime example of “pure Indian jugaad” by industrialist Harsh Goenka, quickly gained traction across LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter). However, the tale was later debunked, casting doubt on its authenticity despite the initial buzz.
Police Crackdown
Mumbai Police summoned the driver and 12 others who were offering unauthorized locker services near the consulate. A senior officer from the BKC police station told the Hindustan Times that parking is strictly prohibited in the high-security zone, and auto-rickshaws are only permitted to drop off passengers. “The driver is licensed to transport people, not to run a locker facility,” the officer said, adding that storing items in nearby shops raises serious security concerns, including the risk of misplaced belongings triggering alarms.
The police investigation revealed that the drivers lacked the necessary legal authorization to provide such services. “We discussed the matter with him, and he has since ceased offering locker services,” authorities told the Free Press Journal. Additionally, the previously claimed income of Rs 5–8 lakh was found to be exaggerated, with police determining that the actual earnings were significantly lower.
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Security and Compliance Concerns
The US Consulate’s strict no-bag policy has led to increased demand for nearby baggage storage services. However, officials have emphasized that unregulated activity near such a sensitive facility cannot be permitted. The recent crackdown has sparked debate on X (formerly Twitter). While users like @MumbaiMatters praised the entrepreneurial spirit of local drivers, they agreed that proper regulation is essential. Others, including @BKCResident, expressed relief, citing concerns about safety in the already congested area.
The shutdown brought into sharp focus the friction between entrepreneurial ingenuity and strict security measures in Mumbai’s high-security zones. With the service now discontinued and police maintaining vigilance to deter copycat ventures, the incident—though no longer trending—has spotlighted the complex reality faced by informal businesses trying to operate within urban India’s legal and safety constraints.
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