Honesty on Three Wheels: Mizoram auto driver returns ₹17 lakh without expecting reward

An auto-rickshaw driver in Lawngtlai town, Mizoram, has earned widespread admiration for his exceptional honesty after returning ₹17 lakh to a businessman from Myanmar who had accidentally left the money in his vehicle.

The driver, Lalhmingmuana, discovered the large sum—left behind in a polythene bag—after dropping the businessman off at Hotel Husop in the Lawngtlai-3 area, following a ride from Bazar Veng. The incident occurred around 9 PM on Thursday.

Unaware of his loss at first, the businessman, along with hotel staff, searched his room in a panic. Meanwhile, Lalhmingmuana, upon noticing the bag of cash, immediately drove back to the hotel and returned it without expecting any reward—a selfless act that has won many hearts.


C Zathianga, president of the Lawngtlai Auto Rickshaw Owners' Association (LAROA), praised the driver’s integrity. “Even though he knew the contents of the bag, he chose to return it without hesitation. We are all incredibly proud of his honesty and noble conduct,” he said.

Lalhmingmuana’s gesture has not only restored a significant sum but also reaffirmed belief in human goodness.

[With TOI inputs]