Bengaluru MBA student from Bengal, working as bike-taxi rider, robbed by fake auto-rickshaw driver

A 30-year-old MBA student working part-time as a bike-taxi rider was robbed of his rented scooter, mobile phone, and cash during the early hours of April 18. Acting on his complaint, Bengaluru police arrested the accused, identified as 22-year-old Zabiullah, a resident of Shamma Garden, a TOI report stated.

Victim was targeted after trip near Satellite bus stand

Munna Hossain, the victim, is from West Bengal and works part-time to manage his living expenses while pursuing his degree. He rents an electric scooter after his college hours and works as a bike-taxi captain. On the night of the incident, Hossain had completed a few rides and was assigned a pick-up from Yeshwantpur to Satellite bus stand.

Around 3.30 am, after dropping the passenger, Hossain was approached by a man near an autorickshaw stand. The man, later identified as Zabiullah, began arguing with him, claiming bike taxis were harming his auto-rickshaw business.

Argument turns violent; rider forced to share digital payment PIN

As the passenger walked away, Zabiullah allegedly threatened Hossain and snatched his phone. When Hossain resisted, he was hit with a helmet. Zabiullah then forced him to reveal the PIN to his digital wallet and transferred ?440 to his own account.

The accused also took the key to the rented scooter and forced Hossain to sit on the vehicle. He then rode away with the victim still on board. Hossain managed to jump off the moving scooter after it slowed down near a family traveling in the opposite direction.

Accused arrested; police say robbery was motive

Following the complaint, police tracked down and arrested Zabiullah. Investigators confirmed he is not an auto driver and had no commercial grievance.

“He is not an auto driver. He just wanted to rob the man of his valuables,” police said.