Noida Man Arrested After Dramatic Fuel Theft and Motorcycle Dragging Incident
A 22-year-old man was apprehended by police in Noida on Friday following a brazen attempt to steal diesel from a fuel station and a subsequent chase that resulted in a motorcycle being dragged for more than five kilometers. The accused, identified as Harsh, a resident of Bulandshahr, was visiting his uncle's residence in Dujana village when the incident unfolded.
Details of the Fuel Station Incident
According to RK Gautam, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Noida), Harsh arrived at a fuel station near the NTPC cut in Badalpur around 6:30 PM, driving a Thar SUV without a license plate. He instructed the salesperson, Kuldeep Sharma, to fill the vehicle's tank with diesel, assuring that he would make an online payment for the fuel.
However, once the tank was full and Sharma went to retrieve the POS machine for the transaction, Harsh abruptly started the Thar and sped away from the station without making any payment. This prompted Sharma to immediately pursue the fleeing vehicle on his motorcycle in an attempt to recover the payment for the diesel.
The Chase and Motorcycle Dragging
Sharma managed to catch up with the Thar on the Dadri bypass, where he tried to intercept and stop the SUV. Harsh refused to halt, leading to a collision between the motorcycle and the Thar. Sharma was thrown from his motorcycle and fell onto the road at a distance, but his bike became entangled in the bumper of the SUV.
Despite the collision, Harsh continued driving the Thar, dragging the lodged motorcycle for approximately five kilometers. Witnesses reported seeing sparks flying along the route as the motorcycle was pulled behind the speeding vehicle. Sharma was subsequently admitted to a private hospital, where police confirmed his condition was stable and he was receiving necessary treatment.
Police Response and Arrest
Upon receiving information about the incident, a police team quickly cordoned off the area and launched a search operation. Harsh was arrested approximately one hour after the fuel theft occurred. The Thar SUV used in the incident was seized by authorities as evidence.
Police officials stated they are examining CCTV footage from the fuel station to gather additional evidence and reconstruct the sequence of events. Based on Sharma's formal complaint, an FIR has been registered at Badalpur police station against Harsh under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Charges Filed Against the Accused
The FIR includes serious charges under the following BNS sections:
- Section 109: Attempt to murder
- Section 110: Attempt to commit culpable homicide
- Section 406: Criminal breach of trust
- Section 324(4): Mischief causing damage amounting to fifty rupees
This case highlights the dangers of fuel theft and reckless driving, with the dramatic dragging of the motorcycle adding a particularly alarming dimension to the crime. The investigation continues as authorities work to ensure all aspects of the incident are thoroughly examined.
