Mumbai: Accused throws powder in pvt firm employee’s eye, robs him of Rs 4 lakh

A private firm employee Nirbal Gupta, 57, became the latest victim to a gang that steals bags. The accused distracted Gupta and fled with Rs 4 lakh in cash on July 29 near Kala Ghoda.

A private firm employee Nirbal Gupta, 57, became the latest victim to a gang that steals bags. The accused distracted Gupta and fled with Rs 4 lakh in cash on July 29 near Kala Ghoda.

Gupta, a resident of Dombivli, had gone to a private bank and withdrawn the cash for his company and was heading back to his office.

In the meanwhile, a passer-by threw powder in his eyes. As Gupta panicked, another person offered him water to wash his face.

While cleaning his eyes, Gupta set his bag down. When he finished washing his face, he was shocked to find that the bag was gone.

When he shouted for help, a man came to him and allegedly pointed him in the wrong direction where the thief with the bag was headed.

A complaint in this case was registered with the MRA Marg police who are now investigating case along with a series of other such cases.

Senior inspector Sukhlal Varpe said they have taken several steps to curb the menace of bag lifting and also shop keepers have been roped.

“We have made small posters with numbers of police officers, which have been circulated in the jurisdiction. This is being done to reduce the time of the incident being reported to us so that we can catch the accused,” said Varpe.