What began as a seemingly friendly car deal turned into a nightmare for a 28-year-old app cab driver from Dadar area in Mumbai, who claims he was cheated out of Rs 1.59 lakh by an alleged smooth-talking fraudster.

The accused, Akash Sudam Bidve, allegedly lured the victim with promises of a cheap Ertiga car with a valid taxi permit — and a “special friendship discount” — before vanishing with the money.