Mumbai Knife Attack: Auto Driver Stabbed by Passenger Over 10 Rs Dispute

A minor disagreement over a mere ten rupees escalated into a violent attack in Mumbai's Powai area, leaving an auto rickshaw driver injured. Shahanawaz Shaikh, 22, who supplements his income by operating an inflatable jumping bouncer in the evenings, was assaulted with a knife by Avdhesh Saroj following a dispute over the ride's fee.  

The incident unfolded on February 28th when Shaikh charged Rs. 30 per child for the bouncer ride. The Saroj brothers, who had three children, objected to the total cost of Rs. 90, demanding a Rs. 10 discount and insisting on paying only Rs. 80. Shaikh refused, maintaining his standard rate, leading to the confrontation.

According to police reports, Avdhesh Saroj then attacked Shaikh with a knife, while his brother, Pawan Saroj, fled the scene. Powai police subsequently arrested Avdhesh Saroj two days after the incident. However, Pawan Saroj, 20, remains at large.  

Shaikh sustained injuries from the knife attack but is now out of danger. Police confirmed that the root cause of the assault was the brothers' anger over Shaikh's refusal to reduce the fee by ten rupees.