In a daring incident on Friday afternoon near Moti Bagh Colony in Nabha, a 63-year-old woman, Vimla Rani, thwarted a snatching attempt by two alleged drug-addicted assailants. Despite being thrown to the ground and kicked in the stomach, she refused to release her bag, which contained Rs 20,000 in cash she had just withdrawn from a bank.
Sequence of Events
Vimla Rani had withdrawn the money from a bank in the Old High Court Bazaar and was returning home in an e-rickshaw. After alighting near Street No. 3, she began walking home when a youth attempted to snatch her bag. Rani resisted fiercely, leading to a struggle during which she fell. The snatcher then kicked her in the stomach to pry the bag from her hands.
Hearing her cries for help, local residents rushed out of their homes. While one accomplice fled on a motorcycle, the residents chased down the attacker, subdued him, tied him to a pole, and informed the police. According to witnesses, a syringe was recovered from the accused, who allegedly admitted to buying drugs from a shop near Rohati Bridge. The residents recorded a video of the incident and handed the accused over to the police upon their arrival.
Injuries and Police Response
Vimla Rani sustained injuries to her head and arm during the assault and was taken to a hospital for treatment. SHO Gurvinder Singh confirmed that one accused is in custody while the search for the second continues. However, he noted that no syringe was officially recovered from the accused, contradicting the residents' claims.
Community Action and Impact
The swift action by the local community highlights the growing vigilance among residents in Nabha against street crime. The incident has sparked discussions about drug abuse in the area, with the accused allegedly admitting to purchasing drugs from a shop near Rohati Bridge. Police are investigating the source of the drugs and the whereabouts of the fleeing accomplice.
Vimla Rani's bravery has been widely praised, with neighbors describing her as a courageous woman who refused to be intimidated. The attack underscores the risks faced by elderly individuals, particularly women, when carrying cash in public. Authorities have urged citizens to remain cautious and report suspicious activities promptly.
