In a swift investigation, the Delhi Police have arrested a 26-year-old bus helper for allegedly stealing a substantial sum of US dollars from a foreign tourist who forgot her belongings on a bus. The incident highlights the risks travelers face and the police's responsiveness to crimes against visitors.
How the Theft Unfolded at Kashmere Gate
The sequence of events began on December 15 when the victim, Fareshteh Sayanjali, an Iranian national, arrived in the capital from Uttarakhand. She disembarked from the bus at the Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) in Kashmere Gate around 1:45 pm. Fatigued from her journey, she inadvertently left her purse behind on the bus seat.
Fortunately, she received a call from the bus operator not long after, informing her that her purse had been located. However, her relief turned to distress upon collecting the bag. She discovered that $1,600 (US dollars) was missing from the purse, prompting immediate action.
Police Investigation and the Breakthrough
A formal complaint was filed at the Kashmere Gate police station by Dr. Ali Akbar Shah, a professor at Delhi University with whom the Iranian woman was staying. Based on this complaint, the police registered a First Information Report (FIR) under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and launched a probe.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Raja Banthia detailed the investigative steps. A police team questioned the bus driver, conductor, and other staff members. During this process, the conductor disclosed that the purse was found on a seat and had been handed over by the bus helper, identified as Monish.
"Initially, Monish allegedly tried to mislead investigators, but sustained interrogation led him to confess to stealing the cash from the purse," DCP Banthia stated. Following his confession, the accused was arrested.
Recovery of Stolen Cash and Accused's Profile
In a follow-up action, the police conducted a raid at Monish's residence in Jahangirpuri. The operation proved successful as the entire stolen amount of $1,600 was recovered from his possession.
Police provided details about the accused, noting that Monish is 26 years old, studied up to class X, and had been working as a helper with the private bus operator for approximately the past year. His arrest serves as a reminder of the consequences of such opportunistic crimes, especially those targeting foreign nationals who contribute to the city's tourism.
The case underscores the importance of vigilance while traveling and the efficacy of police work in resolving crimes swiftly, ensuring a sense of security for both domestic and international visitors in the national capital.
