In a remarkable display of efficiency and honesty, the Vakola Police in Mumbai successfully recovered the visa, passport, and cash belonging to a German national, Ryan Ebernau, 24, after he inadvertently left his bag in an app-based taxi late on Sunday night.
The incident occurred around 1:00 am on Monday, shortly after the foreign national, who was visiting the city for work, alighted at a guesthouse in Vakola, Santacruz East. With his return flight to Germany scheduled just five hours later, Mr. Ebernau rushed to the police station.
The police team, including PSI Tushar Mundhe, acted immediately, tracing the cab driver, Sanjeev Kumar Yadav, 40, within an hour using traffic department data. The driver promptly returned the essential documents, enabling a relieved Mr. Ebernau to catch his international flight on time.
Quick Action by Mumbai Police
The timeline of the recovery highlights the speed and coordination of the Mumbai Police. Ebernau Ryan had taken a private cab from Vile Parle to his guesthouse in Vakola around 12:30 am on Sunday night. After exiting the cab at 1:00 am, he realised his small bag, containing his passport, visa, ID cards, and cash, was still on the back seat.
Panicked by the imminent departure of his return flight to Germany, he rushed to the Vakola police station. PSI Tushar Mundhe and his team immediately registered a missing report. They rapidly deployed constables Hajare, Munne, and Koli to track the vehicle, initiating the search which would ultimately save the traveller’s plans.
Police Action-Driver’s Ethics
The successful recovery was a joint triumph of police expertise, city technology, and the driver’s strong ethics. The police team worked swiftly with the traffic department, utilising the city’s challan system to pull up the taxi’s vehicle details and identify the driver.
Live GPS tracking was then used to pinpoint the cab’s location in Andheri. The driver, Sanjeev Kumar Yadav, confirmed he had found the bag on the back seat but was on another ride.
Upon being informed of the extreme urgency of the situation, the driver immediately rushed back to the Vakola police station, delivering the crucial passport and belongings.
A grateful Ebernau Ryan thanked the officials, stating, “I’m thankful to the Vakola police for helping me get my passport back. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to take my flight. They found it in just an hour. I’m so happy and grateful.”
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This incident beautifully demonstrates how humanity, diligence, and integrity work together to reinforce public trust. The quick and professional response of the Vakola Police team, led by PSI Tushar Mundhe, not only rescued a foreign visitor from a potentially devastating travel nightmare but also showcased the city’s commitment to safety.
Equally commendable is the honesty and kindness of cab driver Sanjeev Kumar Yadav, whose prompt action ensured the safe return of vital documents.
This collaborative effort between vigilant citizens and law enforcement is a powerful illustration of positive social change and the spirit of coexistence that makes Mumbai shine globally. We believe such acts of integrity are the backbone of a civil society.
