₹20 Change Dispute Turns Fatal as Auto Driver Dies After Assault in Hyderabad

A dispute over just ₹20 in change turned fatal after a 42-year-old auto-rickshaw driver was allegedly assaulted by three men in Wattepally on Sunday evening. The driver later died of his injuries, police said. Based on a complaint lodged by his daughter, the Falaknuma police registered a murder case and detained two suspects in connection with the incident.

According to the police, the incident began when a woman hired the auto and reached her destination. The fare was ₹20, but she reportedly handed the driver a ₹200 note. The driver told her that he did not have enough change. The woman then went to a nearby sweet shop and returned with ₹100. However, the driver again said he could not provide the required change, leading to an argument between the two.

The woman subsequently called her son and informed him about the dispute. At the time, the driver’s wife and daughter were also travelling in the auto, according to the complaint. Following the argument, the driver left the area along with his wife and daughter without collecting the fare from the passenger.

Later, the driver received a phone call from another auto-rickshaw driver, who asked him to come to a hotel to discuss the matter. Trusting the call, he went to the location. However, according to the complaint filed by his daughter, a group of men was waiting there and allegedly confronted him.

The complaint states that one of the men slapped the driver, following which the others joined in the assault. During the attack, the driver fell to the ground and reportedly suffered a seizure. Despite his condition, the attackers allegedly continued beating him before fleeing the scene.

The injured driver was rushed to a nearby hospital in a critical condition. However, doctors examined him and declared him dead on arrival.

Police subsequently shifted the body for a post-mortem examination. Officials said the post-mortem report is awaited, which is expected to provide further details regarding the cause of death.

The Falaknuma police have detained two persons as part of the investigation. Efforts are underway to identify the other individuals allegedly involved in the assault and establish the circumstances that led to the fatal attack. The investigation is continuing.