Driver arrested; gold returned to Goa couple

Mysore/Mysuru: In a shocking incident that occurred on Nov. 14 that came to light now, an auto-rickshaw driver absconded with a vanity bag containing gold jewellery worth approximately Rs. 10 lakh.

However, the Police have managed to trace the auto driver based on the clues provided by the victim. He has been arrested now and the ornaments have been handed over to the owners. Interestingly, the driver had handed over some of the gold to his sister. 

On that day at around 12.30 pm, Vipin Prakash Kunre, an engineer, who had come to Mysuru from Goa with his wife Shreya and a little son, wanted to visit the Mysore Palace. As the parking slot was full, he had to park his car at a distance. After parking his car, Vipin and his family took an auto, driven by one Raju, and returned to the Varaha Gate of the Palace.

However, Vipin and his wife missed to take out the vanity bag from the auto. After they got down from the auto, Vipin paid the fare to the driver and turned towards the Varaha Gate.

Meanwhile, he realised that the vanity bag was still in the auto. Vipin and his wife shouted on top of their voices but the auto driver sped away.

Despite the woman’s frantic cries, the driver allegedly ignored her, leaving the family in distress. The vanity bag had around 180-190 grams of gold ornaments.

Vipin immediately rushed to the Devaraja Police Station and lodged a complaint. He told the Police that the driver intentionally fled the spot. Vipin managed to mention in his complaint that the auto had 0880 as its registration number and the vehicle had the photo of Lord Shiva at the front.

Based on the complaint, Police Sub-Inspector (PSI)  Prabhu took up the investigation and with the help of clues and other auto drivers of the area tracked down the auto and its driver Pramod from Jayanagar. Police said that Pramod had given some of the gold to his sister.

After arresting him, the jewels were handed over to the family. Special permission from the Court was obtained to hand over the gold.