Kerala auto driver returns bag full of gold, to be honoured in Dubai

An auto rickshaw driver from Kerala has been honoured in Dubai for his act of returning a bag-full of gold ornaments worth at least half-a-million rupees to its rightful owner.

Calicut resident Mohammed Rafeeq was selected for the award by a special committee of the Kozhikkodu District Pravasi Association (KDPA-UAE), Emirates 24/7 reported in Dubai.

Various associations, clubs and the mayor of the city have already honoured Rafeeq back home, said Venkat Mohan, president of KDPA-UAE.

Rafeeq, who belongs to a poor family, earns between Rs300 to 500 per day and supports his family which includes two sisters and mother.

"I feel honoured to be invited to the UAE and to be given a public reception and reward following media reports about my honesty and integrity. Most of the auto rickshaw drivers in my city are honest," Rafeeq said.

Recalling the incident on March 18, he said: "Two ladies and a gentleman booked my three-wheeler from the city to the railway station. I dropped them at the station and took another passenger.

"After half an hour, I noticed a bag in the back seat. When I opened it, it was full of gold ornaments. I decided to go back to the railway station and hand over the gold to the lady.

"I know that they were in Calicut in connection with a marriage programme. When I reached there, the lady was crying and appealing for help with many people assembled around her," he said.