Honest auto driver returns excess Rs 34,000 paid by passenger for Rs 340

MADIKERI: An auto driver in Madikeri, Sathish, and the Auto Owners and Drivers Association showcased their honesty by returning Rs 34,000 that was mistakenly transferred to the driver’s account via Google Pay.

On June 11, a passenger named Ali from Emmehalli boarded an autorickshaw in Madikeri and asked the driver to take him to the sub-registrar’s office. Ali intended to pay Rs 40 as fare but didn’t have cash, so he asked the driver to accept Rs 500 via Google Pay.

The driver, Sathish, asked Ali to pay Rs 340 via Google Pay since he didn’t have enough change. However, Ali accidentally transferred Rs 34,000 instead of Rs 340. Neither of them noticed the mistake initially. When the driver, Sathish, noticed the excess amount, he tried to contact Ali but couldn’t reach him due to lack of contact information.

Ali didn’t notice the transaction until June 12, when he checked his passbook at the bank. Later, he realised the mistake and informed the Auto Owners and Drivers Association, which helped Sathish get in touch with Ali. The association contacted Sathish and gathered information about the incident. Sathish confirmed that he had sent a Rs 1 Google Pay transaction to Ali’s account to verify the account details, but Ali hadn’t noticed it.

Sathish returned the excess amount to Ali’s account with the association’s help, showcasing humanity and honesty. Ali appreciated the association’s service and offered financial assistance, but the association declined.

The association expressed gratitude to Sathish for his honest service, saying it has contributed to building a positive image of auto drivers. The association is committed to helping those who have lost valuables, regardless of the item or person involved, it said.