Prabhu pulled over and went to buy a cigarette, only to find out that the passenger fled with the cab.

Hyderabad: A cab driver in Hyderabad lost his vehicle to a man posing as a passenger after being sent on a brief errand in Medipally on Saturday, June 20, the police said.

Ch Bhanu Prabhu, 26, a native of Nalgonda, was approached by the accused at Uppal, who offered Rs 450 for a ride to Changicherla. As the cab reached Medipally, the passenger suddenly complained of leg pain and urged Prabhu to pull over and buy him a cigarette.

Prabhu stopped the vehicle and stepped out to buy the cigarette. When he returned moments later, the passenger had fled with the cab. Prabhu gave chase but was unable to catch up.He then approached the Medipally Police Station and filed a complaint. A theft case has been registered and police are scanning closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras in the area to identify and nab the accused.