Bengaluru Police Arrest Man for Selling Rented Zoomcar
In a recent case of rental car fraud, a 32-year-old man from Kannur, Kerala, has been arrested by Bengaluru police for driving away and selling a car listed on the self-drive rental platform Zoomcar. The incident came to light after the vehicle owner, Syed Khadir Pasha, a resident of Padarayanapura, reported the theft.
How the Fraud Unfolded
According to police, Pasha had listed his Maruti Swift on Zoomcar for rental purposes. On April 24, Misheal Shafeeq rented the car but failed to return it at the scheduled time. Subsequently, Shafeeq cut off all communication with the owner, prompting Pasha to file a complaint.
Police launched an investigation and located Shafeeq on the outskirts of Bengaluru, where he was arrested. During interrogation, Shafeeq confessed to driving the vehicle to Kerala and selling it after altering its identity. He removed the FASTag and GPS tracking devices and fixed a fake license plate number to avoid detection.
Police Action and Recovery Efforts
An investigating officer stated that a team has been sent to Kerala to trace and seize the car. The police are also probing whether Shafeeq has been involved in similar frauds in the past. The arrest highlights the risks associated with peer-to-peer car rental platforms and the need for stricter verification processes.
This case serves as a reminder for vehicle owners to ensure proper tracking and insurance when renting out their cars. Meanwhile, the accused remains in police custody as investigations continue.
