Bhopal Police Investigate Two Separate Snatching Incidents in the City
In a concerning development for local residents, the city of Bhopal witnessed two distinct snatching incidents over the weekend, prompting swift action from law enforcement authorities. Police officials have confirmed that cases have been formally registered and investigations are now actively underway to apprehend the culprits involved in these brazen acts.
Taxi Driver Targeted in Late-Night Mobile Phone Snatching
The first incident unfolded in the Habibganj area late on Saturday night, escalating from a minor traffic dispute into a criminal act. According to detailed police reports, the complainant, Piyush Malviya, a 22-year-old resident of Ratibad who drives a rented taxi, was returning via Danapani Road after dropping off a passenger near Shalimar Building. Around 12:30 am on Sunday, two men traveling in an SUV abruptly stopped his vehicle and initiated a heated argument regarding overtaking maneuvers.
As the confrontation intensified, Malviya attempted to document the situation by recording a video on his smartphone. Seizing this opportunity, one of the accused individuals forcibly snatched not one, but two mobile phones directly from his hand. The duo then hastily fled the scene in their vehicle, leaving the taxi driver shaken and without his devices. Police have emphasized that this incident highlights the risks faced by service workers during late-night hours.
Woman's Gold Chain Goes Missing During Auto Rickshaw Journey
In a separate but equally distressing event, a 58-year-old homemaker named Sandhya Sharma experienced the disappearance of her valuable gold chain while traveling in a shared auto rickshaw on Sunday afternoon. A resident of the Kolar area, Sharma was en route to visit her brother's house in Amra Vihar Colony. She boarded the auto from Anupam Hospital around 1 pm, noting that three other women passengers were already seated inside.
Upon alighting near Lalita Nagar and crossing the road, Sharma suddenly realized that her gold chain was no longer around her neck. Despite conducting an immediate and thorough search of the surrounding area, she could not locate the missing jewelry. Subsequently, she filed an official complaint with the police, providing crucial details about her journey and fellow passengers. Authorities are now examining whether this was a case of accidental loss or a deliberate snatching act, given the crowded nature of shared auto rides.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigations
Law enforcement agencies in Bhopal have assured the public that both incidents are being treated with high priority. Teams have been deployed to gather evidence, review CCTV footage from relevant locations, and interview potential witnesses. The police have also issued advisories urging citizens to remain vigilant, especially when traveling alone or during odd hours, and to secure their valuables properly.
These back-to-back snatching cases have raised concerns about public safety in certain parts of the city. Officials are exploring possible connections between the incidents, though they currently appear unrelated based on preliminary findings. The community is encouraged to report any suspicious activities promptly to help prevent similar occurrences in the future.
