Dombivili residents fight off gang of robbers, catch three

When no one responded to repeated calls to the police station in Dombivli early Sunday morning, residents and the family of ex-MLA Harichandra Patil family fought off a gang of robbers and caught three of them. Five people were injured in the melee.

When no one responded to repeated calls to the police station in Dombivli early Sunday morning, residents and the family of ex-MLA Harichandra Patil family fought off a gang of robbers and caught three of them. Five people were injured in the melee.

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Patil said, "Around 3am my son Harshad got a call from Prathamesh Shinde, a resident of Yashomandir apartment who said robbers had entered their building and were breaking the locks of all flats. Harshad tried to call the Ramnagar police station, but no one answered. So, my sons, myself and other residents decided to tackle the thieves ourselves."

He added, "When we entered the building, my son was attacked with a chopper. He fired two rounds at the robber, injuring one. While some robbers fled, three ran inside the building. Two of them were injured while trying to jump from the third floor. The third was hiding on the terrace."

Jayant Mane, inspector, Ramnagar station, said, "Our telephone is out of order. We appreciate the courage shown by Patil, Harshad and the residents."