Auto driver returns bag containing gold

A Dombivli-based autorickshaw driver has won accolades for returning a bag containing gold left by two passengers in his vehicle on Monday. Santosh Mahadev Rane, 45, who lives in Garibacha Wada, returned the bag as soon as he spotted it

Dombivli: A Dombivli-based autorickshaw driver has won accolades for returning a bag containing gold left by two passengers in his vehicle on Monday.

Dombivli, India - January 04, 2023: A Dombivli-based auto driver Santosh Rane applauded for his kind gesture as he returns a bag full of five tola gold after two women passengers forget it in his autorickshaw. Rane returned the bag to the autorickshaw union office where the women came searching for it and recovered the bag, in Dombivli, India, on Wednesday, January 04, 2023. (Photo by Pramod Tambe/HT Photo) (HT PHOTO)

Santosh Mahadev Rane, 45, who lives in Garibacha Wada, returned the bag as soon as he spotted it.

On Wednesday, Rane was felicitated for his kind act by the traffic police, Kalyan regional transport authority and local politicians.

Rane, who returned the bag containing 5 tolas of gold without opening it, has also received praise from the local rickshaw unions and residents.

The incident happened at around 1pm when one Deepali Rajput boarded Rane’s auto from Dombivli West to the railway station along with another woman. After reaching the station, they alighted leaving the bag inside the vehicle. After reaching the platform, they found the bag was missing and rushed back to the spot where they got down. However, Rane had left the spot with the rickshaw.

“The women approached the auto union members for help. Nearly 30 minutes later, Rane rushed to the auto stand and came running saying a bag was left inside his auto. The passengers were relieved to get back their bag,” Raja Chavan, president, Rickshaw Chalak Union, said.

“There was another passenger too inside the auto along with the two women. I am glad the other passenger did not take away the bag. When I turned around to clean the seat, I spotted the bag. I remembered the woman carrying that bag. I rushed to the auto stand thinking they must be waiting there,” Rane said.

“Whenever a passenger forgets their valuables inside, they must come to the auto stand immediately. At the same time our fellow drivers are also asked to return valuables to the auto stand so that it can be handed over to the owner. With the example of Rane, we have sent a message that honest auto drivers do exist amid all the complaints against us,” Chavan said.