Ahmedabad Hotelier Loses Rs 9.5 Lakh Cash in Daring SUV Theft at Construction Site
In a brazen daylight robbery, thieves made off with Rs 9.5 lakh in cash from an SUV parked near a hotel construction site in Hathijan, Ahmedabad, on Tuesday afternoon. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local business community and prompted a swift police investigation.
Details of the Theft Incident
The victim, Abidali Sabar (41), a hotelier and businessman from Makarba, filed a complaint with the Vivekanandnagar police. Sabar is developing the "Prime Rose Hotel" on Hathijan-Mehmedabad Road, a project he manages with his partner Snehal Patel. The construction site employs approximately 15 labourers, making timely wage payments crucial.
According to the police report, Sabar left his residence around 3 pm in his SUV, carrying Rs 9.5 lakh in cash stored in a white plastic bag. This substantial sum was intended for disbursing workers' wages. He arrived at the construction site near Sadguru Krishna Bungalows at about 4 pm and parked the vehicle close to the road, leaving the bag of cash conspicuously on the front passenger seat.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Robbery
Sabar then proceeded to the site office, where he remained for nearly an hour. Also present at the location were his partners Zakir Rabadi and Hasan Rabadi, along with contractor Anil Patel and partner Snehal Patel. During this time, Sabar's phone battery ran low, prompting him to send his nephew to retrieve a power bank from the car. At that moment, the vehicle was reported to be intact, with no signs of tampering.
The situation took a dramatic turn around 5:30 pm when Sabar returned to his SUV. He discovered the front passenger seat window shattered and the bag containing the Rs 9.5 lakh cash completely missing. The theft occurred in a relatively short window, highlighting the perpetrators' audacity and precision.
Police Investigation and Community Impact
Local authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident. Police are actively scanning CCTV footage from nearby areas to identify the suspects involved in this high-value theft. The case underscores growing concerns about security in commercial and construction zones, particularly during cash transactions for wage payments.
This incident serves as a stark reminder for businesses and individuals to exercise heightened caution when handling large sums of money, especially in public or semi-public spaces. The theft not only represents a significant financial loss for Sabar but also disrupts the wage distribution process for labourers at the construction site.
As the investigation progresses, the Vivekanandnagar police are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward. The community awaits updates, hoping for a swift resolution to this distressing crime that has impacted local business operations and worker livelihoods.
