Ahmedabad Self-Drive SUV Rental Scam: Hirer Vanishes with Rs 15 Lakh Vehicle
In a concerning incident from Ahmedabad, the Vastrapur police have registered a formal case of cheating and criminal breach of trust. This action follows a distressing event where a self-drive SUV, rented for a mere twelve hours, was not returned as agreed. The individual who hired the vehicle allegedly switched off his mobile phone and disappeared without a trace, leaving the rental business owners in a state of shock and financial loss.
Details of the Complaint and Rental Agreement
According to the official complaint filed on January 31, the complainant, Sanket Nakum, aged 27, operates a self-drive car rental business. He runs this enterprise from an office located in a commercial complex in Vastrapur, in partnership with Divyarajsinh Dodiya. Their firm specializes in renting out vehicles that are owned by various individuals, providing a service to those in need of temporary transportation.
On January 29, at approximately 2:30 PM, a man identified as Sahil Miyatra visited their office. He expressed his need to hire a four-wheeler for a period of twelve hours. The rental process was conducted professionally, with a formal agreement being signed for the specified duration. An advance payment of Rs 7,000 was collected, and as part of the security measures, the hirer's Aadhaar card details were taken before the vehicle was handed over.
The Vehicle and the Disappearance
The vehicle in question is a high-value SUV, estimated to be worth around Rs 15 lakh. As per the rental agreement, it was expected to be returned by 2 AM on January 30. However, as the deadline approached, the complainant attempted to contact the hirer late at night to remind him of the return time. Unfortunately, the response was unclear and unsatisfactory.
After the rental period officially ended, the situation escalated. The complainant made repeated attempts to reach the hirer via phone calls, but all efforts were in vain. The mobile phone was found to be switched off, cutting off all communication. This abrupt disappearance has raised serious concerns about the intentions behind the rental.
Police Investigation and Broader Implications
The Vastrapur police have taken cognizance of the matter and have registered a case under relevant sections for cheating and criminal breach of trust. This incident highlights the vulnerabilities faced by self-drive rental businesses, especially in urban areas like Ahmedabad. It underscores the importance of stringent verification processes and robust security measures to prevent such fraudulent activities.
Such cases not only result in significant financial losses for business owners but also disrupt the trust-based ecosystem of rental services. Authorities are now actively investigating to trace the whereabouts of the missing vehicle and the accused hirer, aiming to bring justice to the affected parties.
