Mumbai Police Cracks Down on Viral Auto Driver Earning ₹5-8 Lakh Monthly for Bag-Keeping Service

In a surprising twist, Mumbai Police has taken action against an auto driver and a group of 12 others for running unofficial bag-keeping services outside the US consulate in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). The crackdown followed a viral LinkedIn post that revealed the unconventional business model of an auto rickshaw driver, who claimed to earn between ₹5 to ₹8 lakh a month by safeguarding the bags of visa applicants.

The viral LinkedIn post, shared by VenueMonk co-founder Rahul Rupani, quickly gained attention after it highlighted how the auto driver had capitalized on a unique opportunity to assist visitors to the US consulate. As per the post, the driver was charging ₹1,000 per bag to store personal belongings while visa applicants attended their appointments inside the consulate, where carrying personal items is restricted.

The Hustle Behind the Viral Service

The unusual hustle, which initially seemed like a creative way to make money, soon attracted the attention of the Mumbai Police. The driver, who had built an online reputation with his side business, was summoned by BKC Police for operating without proper legal permissions. Although the practice was somewhat of a "side business" for the driver, it has now raised concerns regarding security and legality, prompting authorities to intervene.

A senior officer from the BKC police station explained that parking is strictly prohibited in the vicinity of the US consulate due to heightened security measures. The authorities pointed out that auto drivers are only authorized to drop passengers off and must immediately leave the area. As per the police, the driver’s bag-keeping service not only violated the rules governing auto rickshaw drivers but also posed security risks by storing items in nearby shops.

Police’s Concerns Over Security and Legalities

The biggest concern raised by the police was the potential security risk involved in keeping personal belongings outside the consulate without proper security checks. While the auto driver had a license for passenger transport, he lacked any official sanction to run a locker service. Misplaced bags could have serious consequences, especially in a high-security area like the BKC.

Authorities also emphasized that individuals operating such services must be legally authorized to store people’s personal belongings. The police officer stated, “The auto driver has a licence to transport passengers, not to run a locker service. Therefore, we inquired into the matter, and he has now stopped providing lockers."

Mumbai's Burgeoning Side Business Culture

This incident has raised questions about the increasing number of "side businesses" that are emerging in Mumbai, especially in busy areas like BKC, where people often seek unconventional solutions to everyday problems. It highlights how the hustle culture has permeated various sectors, even in the realm of transportation, where drivers and individuals alike are coming up with innovative ways to make money. However, it also underscores the need for such businesses to adhere to legal and safety standards to ensure the safety and security of citizens and their belongings.

While this auto driver's hustle seemed harmless at first glance, the police intervention serves as a reminder of the importance of abiding by legal and security regulations. Unauthorized businesses, no matter how lucrative, must be scrutinized to avoid unintended consequences.

The Future of Such Services in Mumbai

Following the police's intervention, the auto driver has reportedly ceased his bag-keeping service. However, this incident has shed light on the growing trend of informal services offered by Mumbai's residents, reflecting the city's enterprising spirit. With Mumbai's constant hustle and a booming population, the demand for such services is likely to continue, raising the question of whether more regulations and oversight are needed to ensure such services are legitimate, secure, and safe for the public.

This case also serves as a reminder that in the face of security concerns and legal challenges, even the most well-intentioned hustle must be backed by appropriate permissions and practices.

Conclusion

While the auto driver’s viral business idea may have sparked some excitement online, it ultimately led to scrutiny from the authorities. The Mumbai Police's action against this unconventional business model emphasizes the importance of operating within the bounds of the law, especially in a city as dynamic and security-conscious as Mumbai. The incident may have been a small-scale hustle, but it highlights a larger issue that the city's authorities will need to address as informal businesses continue to emerge across urban centers.