Woman leaves family for taxi driver, found in Goa after claiming kidnapping

HYDERABAD: A London-based woman abandoned her husband and children to be with a taxi driver she had met earlier this year in Hyderabad.

The woman, originally from Alwal, had been living in London with her family for 17 years. In February, she visited Hyderabad for the immersion of her mother’s ashes and hired a taxi for her travel. After paying the fare online, the taxi driver, identified as Shiva, saved her phone number and began chatting with her.

Over time, the woman became infatuated with Shiva. In September, her husband had to return to Hyderabad following the death of his mother. On September 30, the woman secretly flew to Hyderabad, reportedly to celebrate Shiva's birthday, without informing her family. Concerned, her children informed their father when she didn’t show up at her mother’s house.

Upon discovering that his wife was missing, the husband contacted her multiple times, only to receive no response. Later, she called and claimed that she had been kidnapped by a taxi driver and was being held in a private hostel in Shamshabad. Alarmed, the husband informed his friends and the police, who immediately launched an investigation.

Using mobile tower locations, the police traced her to Goa, where she was found safe. She was brought back to Hyderabad and subsequently sent back to London. Meanwhile, a case has been registered against taxi driver Shiva, and an investigation is underway.