A taxi driver has been applauded for returning a large stash of cash a passenger accidentally left in his vehicle.
Charanjit Singh Atwal from Melbourne, Australia has driven cabs for more than three decades.
So, when Atwal recently discovered a wallet and $8,000 in cash scattered across the backseat of his vehicle, he knew he had to do the right thing by handing the goods to the police so that they could be returned to the rightful owner.
Speaking to 9News, the honest driver revealed that it never crossed his mind to keep the money, and shared that he did not get a reward from the owner.
According to Daily Mail, Atwal told the Herald Sun: "I remember the passenger who lost it was in a hurry; he was very lucky as I had many passengers after him," adding: "Needless to say, he was very grateful."
He added that he didn't ask for a reward from the lucky person whose cash he returned and has not received anything from them.
The 13cabs driver's story quickly went viral on social media and many users expressed admiration and gratitude for his actions.
"He is blessed, and his honesty and good deed will be returned to him tenfold," one user said, and another added: "A good and honest man. This speaks volumes about his character. May he be blessed abundantly."
A third shared: "It's positive stories like this that will encourage others to do good as well," while a fourth added: "The man obviously has a good heart and probably didn't expect a reward but it is disappointing that the owner of the money didn't bless him with one.....smh."
Someone else shared a similar experience, writing: "My friend did the same in Uber over here in Toronto. He returned $6400 to the respective owners, and they offered him $500 and he even rejected that as well. When I asked why he didn't take that $500, he said it was never my money I just returned it to the lady who [lost] the parcel in the car."
A few people pointed out that if Atwal kept the money, he would've faced consequences. One person said: "If he didn’t he could have been charged with theft," while a second added: "Let’s face it there was camera in the car and he knew if he kept the money he’d lose his job or worse prosecuted."
This is true as in Australia, a law called Larceny by Finding was put into effect and demands anyone who discovers items and money to try and find the rightful owner. If the owner doesn't come forward, the finder can make a claim, but if a person instead keeps the goods, they can face a prison sentence.
Per Australian Criminal & Family Lawyers, section 117 of the Crimes Act 1900 states the punishment for larceny is a maximum penalty of five years.
