A resident of Mumbai recently described a disturbing highway encounter near Lonavala that quickly gained traction on social media. His account has sparked fresh concerns about the possibility of fake recovery agents targeting motorists and the broader issue of road safety on less crowded routes. The incident, which unfolded during what was meant to be a routine drive, has drawn attention from several users who highlighted how such situations can escalate quickly. Many have since urged authorities to look into the matter and ensure stricter checks to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
According to the man, he had bought a pre-owned 2017 Hyundai Verna in November 2025 from a dealership in Goregaon. The car, carrying an MH12 registration, was purchased for ₹5 lakh and officially transferred to his name at the Mumbai RTO in December 2025. On March 21, while driving towards Lonavala, he noticed two individuals trailing his vehicle for several kilometres. Being relatively inexperienced behind the wheel, the situation made him uneasy, as the men continued to follow him persistently without any clear reason.
The encounter took a serious turn when the two men forced him to halt under a flyover on a relatively deserted stretch of road leading towards Pune. They allegedly instructed him to lower his windows and claimed that the car had an unpaid loan of ₹10 lakh linked to a bank, demanding that he cooperate with them. Remaining alert, the driver only slightly opened his window and firmly stated that the vehicle was legally registered in his name. He further suggested that they should contact the previous owner directly if there were any outstanding financial disputes.
Realising that the situation could become dangerous, the driver promptly contacted the police for assistance. After a tense exchange that lasted around ten minutes, the men reportedly softened their stance and left the location upon understanding that authorities had been informed. Before leaving, they questioned how the vehicle had been transferred without a no-objection certificate, raising further doubts about their intentions. Their sudden change in behaviour strengthened the driver’s suspicion that the confrontation might not have been legitimate.
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After reaching home, the man reviewed the vehicle’s documentation and discovered that a loan taken on the car in 2018 had already been cleared within the same year, and the hypothecation had been officially removed. This directly contradicted the claims made by the unidentified individuals, making the episode appear even more questionable. The findings reinforced his belief that the men may have been attempting to mislead or intimidate him under false pretences, possibly to extort money or gain control of the vehicle.
The post triggered widespread reactions across social media, with many users cautioning drivers against stopping for strangers in isolated areas. Several advised motorists to proceed directly to the nearest police station in such situations and avoid engaging with unknown individuals on highways. The incident has once again highlighted the need for vigilance while travelling, especially on less busy routes, and has prompted discussions about safety measures to prevent potential scams targeting unsuspecting drivers.