In a remarkable display of courage and presence of mind, a pickup driver and a vegetable trader in northwest Delhi turned the tables on armed robbers, leading to the arrest of one suspect minutes after being targeted.
Bravery at a Busy Traffic Signal
The incident unfolded around 12 pm on January 4 at a traffic junction near the Jahangirpuri metro station. Sanjay Kumar (40), a driver from Bakhtawarpur, was returning home after delivering vegetables at Azadpur Mandi. He was accompanied by vegetable trader Arvind Sharma (35). As their vehicle stopped at the red light, two young men approached from the driver's side.
According to police reports, one of the youths allegedly pulled out a knife and placed it on Kumar's neck, threatening to slit his throat if he did not comply. His accomplice then searched Kumar's pockets and forcibly snatched his wallet, which contained cash and his driving licence. The duo then fled the scene on foot.
Quick Thinking Leads to Citizen's Arrest
Instead of panicking, Kumar and Sharma acted swiftly. Once the signal turned green, Kumar drove ahead, crossed the junction, and immediately pulled over to call the police emergency helpline 112. Remaining alert, the pair scanned the area from their vehicle.
Their vigilance paid off. They soon spotted the same two youths loitering again near the traffic signal, apparently looking for another target among stalled vehicles. Displaying immense courage, Sanjay Kumar ran towards the suspects and managed to overpower the man who had held the knife to his neck. Arvind Sharma tried to catch the other accomplice, but he escaped into the crowded area.
Kumar then held the captured suspect by the roadside until police arrived.
Police Action and Recovery
A team from the Mahendra Park police station, responding to the PCR call, reached the spot promptly and took the suspect into custody. The arrested individual was identified as Sahil, also known as Daulat Ram or Gabbar (28), a resident of Jahangirpuri.
During a search, police recovered Kumar's stolen wallet and the button-operated knife used in the crime from the suspect's possession.
A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act at the Mahendra Park police station. Police officials confirmed that efforts are underway to identify and arrest the absconding accomplice.
This incident highlights how alertness and collective courage by citizens can significantly aid law enforcement in combating street crime in busy urban areas.
