A shocking daylight robbery in Ahmedabad has raised serious concerns about the safety of commuters, especially the elderly. A 71-year-old woman fell victim to a brazen theft, losing her precious gold mangalsutra during a short autorickshaw ride in the Sabarmati area.
Details of the Sabarmati Robbery Incident
The incident took place on January 6, around 5:30 in the evening, near the bustling Sabarmati BRTS bus stop. This high-footfall area is located directly opposite the Sabarmati police station, adding to the audacity of the crime. The elderly victim was returning home to Rajul Park Society after visiting a relative in the Parasmani Society area.
According to her police complaint, she was trying to cross the road near the BRTS corridor when an autorickshaw stopped for her. She informed the driver, a man aged approximately 25 to 30 years, that she only needed to go to the opposite side. The driver persuaded her to get in, promising a quick drop. Another unidentified man of a similar age was already seated inside the three-wheeler.
How the Theft Was Executed
The autorickshaw dropped her a short distance away, near Rajul Park Society. It was only moments after she got down that the woman realized her black-beaded gold mangalsutra was missing. The sacred necklace, weighing about one tola, was valued at nearly Rs 55,000.
She strongly suspects that the other passenger, who was seated next to her, discreetly removed the ornament during the brief ride. The driver's assurance and the presence of the accomplice appear to have been part of a calculated plan to target her.
Police Investigation and Public Safety Concerns
The distressed woman immediately approached the Sabarmati police and filed a formal complaint. Law enforcement officials have registered a case against the unidentified autorickshaw driver and his accomplice.
In their pursuit of the accused, police are scouring CCTV footage from several key locations. This includes cameras in the vicinity of the police station itself, along the BRTS corridor, and from nearby residential societies. The incident highlights a glaring vulnerability in public transport safety, even for very short journeys in crowded, well-policed zones.
This event serves as a stark reminder for citizens, particularly senior citizens, to remain vigilant while using public transport and to report any suspicious behavior immediately to the authorities.
