14 May,2010 08:21 AM IST | | Abhishek Anand
Girl, along with two friends, beat and robbed auto driver for cash and jewellery
They emit 'clean' smoke but are synonymous with nuisance on the roads; considered pocket-friendly, they can burn a hole in your pocket at the most inopportune times. They can manoeuvre easily amid heavy traffic, yet are notorious for their bumpy rides. Delhi's autos have a very strong reputation to beat.
But, what happened on Monday night in the city's most prestigious business district - Connaught Place - would earn the autowallah some much needed sympathy.
It was 11 pm and most of the shops and business establishments situated in the outer circle of Connaught Place had downed shutters. Though it was not too late for shops in the circular retail haven but the early closure is also due to the ongoing renovation work ahead of the Commonwealth Games.
However, for Ravinder Bhagat, 28, work had just begun.
It was Monday night and he wasn't expecting much. As soon as he reached near the Regal Cinema he saw three people waving for him to stop.
Youngsters returning from a movie show or dinner at a nearby restaurant, so the auto driver thought.
But what they had in store for him was beyond Bhagat's wildest dreams.
As soon as the east Delhi resident stopped near his prospective customers, and asked them their intended destination, the girl moved menacingly towards him and held his collar.
"As soon as the girl pulled me out of the auto, the boys overpowered me. The girl then took all the time in the world to snatch my gold chain and ring," Bhagat said.
The trio also allegedly robbed Bhagat off Rs 5,000.
But, Bhagat had not run out of luck completely. A patrolling constable heard whatever cries the hapless auto driver could utter.
"A PCR van soon reached me; the robbers had run off. The cops took me on board and chased them. One boy was caught but the two accomplices managed to escape," Bhagat added.
"The arrested culprit has been identified as Sunil Kumar, 32. It's astonishing that a girl was involved in the heist," said a police official.
The officer assured that the police would be able to work out the case very soon. "We are questioning the arrested robber to find the whereabouts of his accomplices," he said.
| on the way out |
| If the state government has its way, the three-wheeled creatures would soon roll into the sunset. Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit told the state assembly that their "service is very poor." |
