Surat Robbery Attempt Turns Violent: Woman Stabbed in Neck Over iPhone
In a shocking incident that has rattled the Pipodara industrial area of Surat district, Kosambaa police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against two men following an alleged attempted robbery that left a 19-year-old woman with a stab wound to her neck. The violent episode unfolded on Wednesday morning, highlighting growing concerns about street crime in the region.
Details of the Attack
The victim, identified as 19-year-old Vanita Sharma, was on her routine commute to work when she was intercepted by two individuals on the Halpati Faliya–Radhe Silver GIDC road. The accused, named by police as Mangal Pal and Ballu Naik, allegedly demanded her iPhone, which is valued at approximately Rs 85,000. When Sharma resisted their attempt to forcibly snatch the device, the situation escalated dramatically.
According to police statements, one of the assailants allegedly stabbed Sharma in the neck during the struggle. The other accused then attempted to remove her gold nose pin but was unsuccessful in doing so. This brazen attack in a public area has raised alarms about safety for commuters, especially women, in industrial zones.
Community Response and Police Action
Alert local residents played a crucial role in the immediate aftermath of the incident. As Mangal Pal attempted to flee the scene, he was apprehended by community members who allegedly assaulted him before handing him over to the authorities. Pal has been admitted to a hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during this citizen's arrest and will be formally taken into custody once his medical condition stabilizes.
Meanwhile, Ballu Naik managed to evade capture, prompting Kosambaa police to launch an extensive search operation to trace and apprehend the second suspect. The police have emphasized that both individuals will face the full force of the law once the investigation is complete.
Medical Condition and Legal Proceedings
Vanita Sharma was rushed to a nearby medical facility where she underwent emergency surgery for her neck wound. Medical professionals have since declared her condition to be stable, though she continues to receive care and monitoring. The psychological trauma of such a violent encounter is also being addressed as part of her recovery process.
The police have registered a comprehensive case under multiple sections of the newly implemented Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:
- Section 109(1) - Punishment for abetment
- Section 115(2) - Abetment of offence punishable with imprisonment
- Section 118(2) - Concealing design to commit offence
- Section 126(1) - Committing depredation on territories of power at peace with Government of India
- Section 311 - Causing hurt
This legal framework ensures that all aspects of the crime, from planning to execution, are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.
Broader Implications and Safety Concerns
This incident has sparked renewed discussions about public safety in Surat's industrial corridors, where many workers commute during early morning and late evening hours. The attempted theft of high-value electronic items like smartphones has become an increasing concern for law enforcement agencies across urban centers.
Police officials have urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities immediately. They have also assured the public that additional patrols and surveillance measures are being implemented in the Pipodara area to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The case continues to develop as investigators gather evidence and pursue leads to locate the absconding suspect. The community's swift action in apprehending one of the accused demonstrates the importance of public cooperation in combating street crime and ensuring justice for victims like Vanita Sharma.
