Delhi Woman's Quick Thinking Leads to Phone Snatcher's Arrest in Sabzi Mandi
In the bustling lanes of North Delhi's Sabzi Mandi, what began as a routine afternoon on January 19 turned into a dramatic display of citizen vigilance. A 60-year-old woman, refusing to be a victim, orchestrated a swift chase that culminated in the arrest of a phone snatcher, showcasing remarkable presence of mind and cooperation with law enforcement.
The Incident Unfolds
Geeta, an anganwadi worker, had just concluded a meeting around 11:35 am and was heading towards Barfkhana. At approximately 11:40 am, as she took out her phone to call her daughter, a youth on a scooter suddenly appeared, snatched her device, and sped off towards Karol Bagh via the Maharani Jhansi Flyover. Instead of succumbing to panic, Geeta demonstrated exceptional composure.
A Strategic Response
She immediately rushed back to her office and borrowed a colleague's phone to call her own number. To her surprise, the snatcher answered the call and demanded, "Bring Rs 2,000–Rs 3,000 and take your phone." Seizing this opportunity, Geeta cleverly stayed on the line, engaging the accused in conversation to gather crucial information about his location. This strategic move turned the tables on the perpetrator.
Police Intervention and Chase
Geeta informed her colleagues about the situation, and one of them promptly contacted the police. A PCR van arrived with two constables, who also called the stolen phone from the colleague's handset. The accused, still on the line, claimed he was on the Maharani Jhansi Flyover and reiterated his demand for Rs 3,000. The police then devised a plan, instructing Geeta to get into an auto-rickshaw.
Following her directions, the constables searched for the phone snatcher, navigating from Barfkhana up the Maharani Jhansi Flyover and taking a U-turn near Filmistan. The trap was set, and at the flyover, it snapped shut. The thief—still clutching the stolen phone and anticipating an easy payoff—was intercepted by Geeta and the constables.
Arrest and Recovery
The snatcher was identified as Rohit Yadav, a 22-year-old resident of Sonia Vihar. The stolen phone was successfully recovered, and Yadav was taken into police custody. An officer confirmed that a case has been registered against the accused, highlighting the effectiveness of this collaborative effort between the citizen and law enforcement.
A Pattern of Citizen Alertness
This incident is not an isolated example of citizen alertness aiding police in Delhi. Earlier this month in Narela, three friends assisted authorities in tracking down armed robbers who had held a mobile shop owner at knifepoint. Additionally, in October last year, a 61-year-old woman, with the help of bystanders, thwarted two motorcycle-borne men attempting to snatch her purse in Model Town. The suspects were apprehended by the crowd and handed over to the police.
These cases underscore the growing trend of proactive citizen involvement in combating street crimes, demonstrating how quick thinking and community cooperation can significantly enhance public safety and support law enforcement efforts in urban areas.
