Two Separate Snatching Incidents Reported in Bhopal, Police Launch Investigations
Bhopal has witnessed two distinct snatching incidents over the weekend, prompting police to register cases and initiate thorough investigations. Officials confirmed the reports, highlighting concerns over street crime in the city.
Mobile Phones Snatched After Argument in Habibganj Area
In the first incident, which occurred late Saturday night in the Habibganj area, two men traveling in an SUV allegedly snatched two mobile phones from a taxi driver following a heated argument over overtaking. According to police, the complainant, Piyush Malviya, aged 22 and a resident of Ratibad, was driving a rented taxi at the time.
Around 12:30 am on Sunday, Malviya had just dropped off a passenger near Shalimar Building in Habibganj and was returning via Danapani Road when the two men in the SUV stopped his car. They began arguing with him about overtaking, escalating the situation.
During the altercation, when Malviya attempted to record a video on his smartphone to document the incident, one of the accused seized the opportunity and snatched both mobile phones from his hand. The duo then quickly fled the scene in their vehicle, leaving Malviya shaken and without his devices.
Gold Chain Goes Missing During Auto Ride in Kolar Area
In a separate incident on Sunday afternoon, a woman's gold chain went missing during an auto ride in the Kolar area. Police identified the victim as Sandhya Sharma, a 58-year-old homemaker residing in Kolar, who was traveling to her brother's house in Amra Vihar Colony.
Around 1 pm, Sharma boarded a shared auto from Anupam Hospital and disembarked near Lalita Nagar. While crossing the road after getting down, she suddenly realized that her gold chain was missing. Despite conducting an immediate search of the area, she could not locate the valuable item.
Sharma later lodged a formal complaint with the police. She informed authorities that when she boarded the auto, three other women passengers were already seated inside, adding complexity to the investigation as police work to determine how the chain went missing.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigations
Police officials have registered cases for both incidents and are actively pursuing leads. In the Habibganj case, they are reviewing CCTV footage and gathering witness statements to identify the suspects and the SUV involved. For the Kolar incident, investigators are questioning the auto driver and other passengers to piece together the events leading to the chain's disappearance.
Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant, especially during late-night travels and in crowded public transport, and to report any suspicious activities immediately. These incidents underscore the need for enhanced security measures in public spaces across Bhopal.
