Betrayal Behind the Wheel: Farhan Akhtar's Mother, Honey Irani, Falls Victim to Driver's Rs 12 Lakh Fuel Card Scam

In a shocking turn of events that has sent ripples through the entertainment industry, veteran screenwriter Honey Irani, celebrated mother of Farhan and Zoya Akhtar, has been revealed as the victim of a sophisticated fuel card fraud amounting to a staggering Rs 12.02 lakh. The perpetrator? None other than her long-time, trusted driver, Rajendra Singh, who allegedly systematically siphoned off funds over an extended two-year period.

The intricate scheme unfolded between May 2022 and May 2024, during which Singh, entrusted with fuel cards for the Akhtar family's vehicles, brazenly misused them.

Instead of filling the assigned cars, he reportedly engaged in a deceitful practice: selling fuel to other taxi drivers or directly pocketing the cash, exploiting the very trust placed in him by his employer.

The insidious fraud began to unravel when Honey Irani, known for her sharp intellect, noticed an alarming discrepancy.

Despite the family's relatively limited car usage, particularly during periods when they were out of town, the fuel bills soared to inexplicably high amounts. Her intuition, a hallmark of her illustrious career as a storyteller, prompted a closer look.

The true extent of the betrayal came to light after her son-in-law, a close relative of renowned producer Ritesh Sidhwani, took the initiative to review the fuel card statements.

What they uncovered was a horrifying pattern: multiple transactions daily, some for thousands of rupees, painting a clear picture of massive, unauthorized fuel purchases far exceeding the family's genuine needs. This meticulous investigation confirmed Irani's suspicions, revealing the driver's elaborate deception.

Upon realizing the gravity of the situation, Honey Irani promptly approached the authorities.

An FIR was registered at the Khar police station, with charges filed under sections 408 (criminal breach of trust by a clerk or servant) and 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code. Acting swiftly on the complaint, police arrested Rajendra Singh from his residence in Malad, bringing an end to his prolonged period of deceit.

This incident serves as a stark reminder that even those in positions of trust can betray, leaving behind not just financial loss but also a deep sense of personal hurt.

For Honey Irani, the discovery of her trusted driver's perfidy is undoubtedly a bitter pill to swallow, highlighting the importance of vigilance in all aspects of life, even with those we deem closest.