A vigilant car owner in Chandigarh turned the tables on a thief, catching him in the act of stealing from his vehicle late Friday night. The incident, which unfolded in Sector 29, led to the arrest of a habitual offender, while his accomplice managed to flee the scene.
Citizen's Arrest in Chandigarh's Sector 29
The drama began on the night of December 18. Uttam Sharma, a resident of Sector 29 who works as a salesman at a car showroom, had parked his SUV near the Shiva temple. Around 10 pm, his vigilance paid off when he noticed something amiss with his vehicle.
To his shock, Sharma saw the bonnet of his SUV was open and a man was actively removing accessories from inside. Acting swiftly, the car owner raised an alarm. This prompted one of the two accused to escape, reportedly taking stolen goods with him. However, Sharma managed to nab the other individual and immediately called the emergency number 112 for police assistance.
A Habitual Offender Faces Justice
The accused who was caught red-handed was identified as Mukesh Kumar, also known as Chikna, who is a resident of the same Sector 29. The police from Industrial Area Phase-1 station, to whom he was handed over, confirmed his criminal history. Kumar is a habitual offender with six separate FIRs already registered against him in various theft cases.
Following his arrest, the police produced him before a court, which sent him to judicial custody. During the investigation, authorities recovered the car battery, which had been thrown nearby by the thieves. Unfortunately, the stolen stereo and some documents were taken away by the absconding accomplice. Police have confirmed that raids are currently underway to trace and apprehend the fleeing suspect.
Community Vigilance and Police Action
This incident highlights the importance of community awareness and prompt action. Uttam Sharma's alertness not only prevented the complete loss of his vehicle's parts but also led to the arrest of a repeat offender. The Chandigarh Police's quick response to the 112 call and subsequent legal action demonstrates the system at work. Residents are advised to remain cautious, especially when parking vehicles overnight in less monitored areas, and to report any suspicious activity immediately to the authorities.
