A court in Bengaluru has delivered a stern verdict, sentencing a 35-year-old man to seven years of rigorous imprisonment for a violent robbery attempt that left a taxi driver with grievous injuries. The incident, which unfolded in the early hours of October 25, 2024, in Kalasipalya, involved an attack with a knife during a failed bid to snatch the victim's mobile phone.
The Violent Attack in Kalasipalya
The convict, identified as M Armugam, a resident of Jai Bheemnagar in Cottonpet, targeted cab driver V Suman around 2 am. According to the police chargesheet, Suman had parked his vehicle on Kalasipalya main road and was seeking an address with passengers still inside the cab. Armugam suddenly appeared, grabbed Suman's mobile phone, and pulled out a knife when the driver resisted.
In the ensuing struggle, Armugam stabbed Suman multiple times, inflicting wounds on his right palm, right shoulder, and right forearm. The attack prompted the passengers to exit the vehicle and attempt to apprehend the assailant, but Armugam managed to flee the scene.
Police Investigation and Swift Arrest
The Kalasipalya police, under Inspector Kiran Kumar Neelagar, registered a case and launched an investigation. Based on crucial eyewitness accounts from the passengers and the victim, the police tracked down the accused. Armugam was arrested on November 19, 2024.
A pivotal moment in the investigation was the test identification parade, where both the cabbie and the passengers successfully identified Armugam as the attacker. This evidence formed a core part of the prosecution's case.
Conviction Under New BNS Sections
The court found Armugam guilty under the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections. He was convicted under BNS Section 311, which pertains to robbery or dacoity with an attempt to cause death or grievous hurt, and BNS Section 312, for attempting to commit robbery or dacoity while armed with a deadly weapon.
The judge emphasized the seriousness of the crime—a violent assault on a public service provider like a cab driver—and handed down a sentence of seven years of rigorous imprisonment. This verdict highlights the judiciary's firm stance against street crimes that endanger citizens' lives.
The swift investigation, corroborative witness statements, and the successful identification parade were cited as key factors that led to this conviction, ensuring justice for the injured cab driver.
