Auto's fate a mystery -- but it cost city $9,300 Series: TAKEN FOR A RIDE: THE SCANDAL OF CHICAGO'S TOWING PROGRAM

Vikrim Puri's car disappeared five years ago.

No one knows what happened to his car after the city towed it.

In fact, no one knows exactly why it was towed.

One thing is certain: The city paid him $9,300 to end his lawsuit.

Puri's tale began Dec. 12, 1999, when he found his 1992 Audi wasno longer parked in the 1700 block of North Wells. He suspected thecity towed it because of the winter parking ban.

He called the city auto pound but was told his car wasn't there.So he called police and reported his car was stolen. The policecalled Jan. 10 and told him they found his car in a city pound,apparently listed under the wrong vehicle identification …